I Want To Read That

If I Die by Rachel Vincent. (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

2012-02-08T06:00:00.098Z

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 3 February 2012

From Goodreads: No one wants to be this teacher's pet…

The entire school’s talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr Beck. That is, everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee’s no ordinary high-school junior. She’s a banshee — she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah — it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee’s going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine — her boyfriend’s needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human, either.

But Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life. Anything.

As everyone has probably worked out I am a massive fan of this series. I'd heard that this one was a series changer and now I know why! But it's in a really, really good way!

The story picks up where we left off at the end of My Soul to Steal. Kaylee and Nash are trying to work out their troubles, a possible Incubus is feeding off high school students and Kaylee is informed she only has a few days to live...

This is most definitely my favourite of the series so far. It takes elements that have been set in place in previous books and kind of fits them all together. I had no idea how Rachel Vincent was going to tie the storyline up - what would happen at the end of the book - but I had absolute faith that I would love it. And love it I did!

Kaylee really grows in this instalment. Because of the news she receives about her impending death this is kind of inevitable - she has to face those tough decisions she's tried to ignore in the past. And I love that she focuses on fighting the Incubus and helping people even with everything she is feeling and going through.

I have to say I felt really sorry for Nash in this. Despite my reservations for him and Kaylee as a couple I love his character - he has some issues he really needs to face and I love that Vincent hasn't given him the easy way out. She also throws additional stuff at him in this so I'm looking forward to seeing how he reacts when we catch up with them all in Before I Wake.

As for Tod - I think I love him even more! I am so pleased he shared the story of how he died with Kaylee - I have been looking forward to that since reading Reaper. And Sabine is on fine form too! Honestly I adore her and am so glad she is now a permanent part of the gang.

As for the ending - HOLY BLINKING NORA and YAY! Let's just say I got my wish and the ending to this really sets up the next book as a must read!

Awesome with a side of awesome!

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As part of the blog tour for the release of If I Die, Rachel Vincent also took the time to answer a few of my questions...

I'd heard If I Die described as a series changer and now I understand why! Was it always your intention to take the story in this direction?

No. Honestly, while I don’t deny that If I Die is a game changer in more than one way, the path to most of those changes actually began way back in My Soul To Keep (book 3). Maybe even earlier, though I didn’t see it coming at first. What happened to Nash in My Soul To Save and the decisions he made in MSTKeep changed him. They changed him for the better, as a character, in my opinion. No one calls him a cookie-cutter YA boyfriend anymore. He has real strengths and weaknesses, and he deals the best he can. But in a group as tight-knit as Kaylee’s circle of friends and relatives, no one character can go through a change that big without affecting all of the others. Nash changed. His relationship with Kaylee changed. Her understanding of what she wants (for him, for them as a couple, and for herself) evolved and changed.

The reason for that is simple: the things that Nash is going through can’t be fixed in a day. Or in a week. Or in a month. Or, most likely in a year or more. He’s not going to recover overnight, like a television sitcom character, and if I’d tried to make him bounce back that fast, I would have been lying to him, to myself, and to the readers. Consequences are real in the Soul Screamers world, just like in our world (though the breadth is certainly wider there than in our world). Nash’s relationships have been tested. They’ll continue to be tested. But he’s fortunate enough to have a great support system, whether he sees that right now or not. ;)

I love the world you've created with this series. How much work goes into planning and mapping it all out? And how do you keep track of it all...?

Um…a lot, though I don’t really know how to quantify it. At the beginning, I kept track with an Excel chart, but I got really bad about that after a few books. Now, I mostly search the previous manuscripts for any bits I’ve forgotten. That works, except in the cases when things were changed at the page proof level and are slightly different from the printed version.

And, sometimes I ask my readers on line if they remember a certain bit of information, which I then verify. My readers are awesome, and they don’t seem to mind helping me remember how old Kaylee’s dad is or what color Harmony’s eyes are. ;)

Another thing I love about your stories is the way the characters stay true to themselves. They may evolve and grow but they don't change in order to service the plot. Is something that is important to you as an author?

SO very important. Characters should grow. Without growth, the stories will stagnate. But grown shouldn’t be confused with a sudden, miraculous shift in outlook or action. Unless something really big happens to a character. As in the end of If I Die. ;)

I've been looking forward to it since reading Reaper so I'm really pleased Tod shares his story with Kaylee. Will Nash ever learn the truth?

About how Tod died? I suspect he’ll learn in the final book. It doesn’t seem fair to keep it from him much longer.

Do you have any plans for another YA series?

Plans? Yes. Contracts? Not so far. I won’t have time to finish a new proposal until after I’ve turned in the last book.
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Thanks Rachel!

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

Cover to Covet (23)

2012-02-07T13:02:00.002Z

I LOVE book covers. Love, love love them. So I decided to make it a regular post - each post featuring a cover I love.

I absolutely love these covers for The Tomorrow Series by John Marsden! I adore this series and am really pleased they are finally becoming available again in the UK. If you haven't read them yet I definitely recommend them (and the film's great too!) I also have the feeling I may be replacing my collection ...

Encounters with Wartime Aircraft by Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity Blog Tour)

2012-02-05T06:00:00.078Z

I'm really pleased to welcome Elizabeth Wein to the blog today. As part of a blog tour for her new book - Code Name Verity - she has stopped by to talk about her encounters with wartime aircraft...
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Encounters with Wartime Aircraft by Elizabeth Wein

‘What’s a lass like you need with a big toy like this?’

That’s what people keep asking Maddie, the young Air Transport Auxiliary pilot in Code Name Verity. She is too nice to answer back to anyone’s face, but she does think to herself at one point: ‘I like making things work. I love flying.’ My answer to the same question is, Why shouldn’t a lass get to play with the big toys? Why should boys have all the fun?

I am not mechanically minded and I did not spend my youth building model aircraft or changing oil filters. My borderline plane-spotting obsession is based on emotion rather than any technical appreciation. My earliest memory of a Spitfire in flight was at the Farnborough Air Show in the mid-1990s. It was flying in formation with a Eurofighter, then a brand new state-of-the-art supersonic military aircraft. They could only barely stay together - the Spitfire had to scream along at full power as fast as it could go, and the Eurofighter ambled alongside it at a 400 mph crawl. AMAZING, I thought, how far we have come in fifty years!

The term warbirds isn’t limited to Second World War aircraft, but that’s what immediately comes to mind when I hear it. And I think it’s ok to lavish a little love on these veterans now that they’re retired. I confess to having fallen hopelessly, ridiculously in love with the Spitfire. I wrote a short story about a girl who disguises herself as her dead brother, and joins the RAF to become a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain (‘Something Worth Doing’, published in Firebirds Rising by Sharyn November). In the middle of writing this story I found myself SOBBING with inarticulate anguish because I was just so smitten with this heroic little aeroplane. I stood in a sundrenched cornfield near Leuchars in Fife that year, watching the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight circling to the north—a Spitfire, a Lancaster and a Hurricane waiting their turn to perform at the Leuchars Air Show—and I thought, my goodness, this is just what it must have looked like back then. This is where these aircraft flew when they were operational, over these same golden fields.

Accuracy is a bit of a challenge when you’re a 21st century woman writing about flying planes in the Second World War. But I do draw on some of my own flying experiences, fleshing them out with close encounters on the ground, and endless volumes of reproduction pilots’ notes.

After our daughter was born, but before I knew how to fly, my husband bought me a flight in a Tiger Moth as a present. The aircraft was built in 1944, and I took off in it from White Waltham, the airfield that was once the headquarters of the Air Transport Auxiliary. Here I am walking out to the plane (the year is 1997):

[E Wein & Tiger Moth at White Waltham]

The Tiger Moth is the classic bi-plane that almost all wartime pilots trained on. You see them in films a lot (The English Patient, and The King’s Speech come to mind). It is an open cockpit plane, and the pilot looped-the-loop with me as his passenger, somewhere over the Thames near Henley. Ten years later, when my flying instructor in a Cessna 152 Aerobat asked me if I’d ever looped-the-loop, I was able to answer casually, ‘Yes, in a Tiger Moth.’

Then I had to admit that I hadn’t been the pilot.

‘Would you like to try it as the pilot?’

He flew a loop as a demonstration and talked me through the next one, which I flew myself.

In a Tiger Moth, when you cut the engine as you come hurtling out of the sky from the top of the loop, the wind is actually in your face. The effect is less dramatic in a Cessna 152, but the engine is just as quiet as you come toppling out of the sky without power. Falling in controlled flight out of that loop that I flew myself, over the Scottish Ochil Hills where Macbeth once held court, I thought: If I die now, I will die happy.

It’s not as difficult to come close to the old warbirds as you might think. There are some fantastic air museums throughout the UK and further afield. I do my own ‘fact-checking’ at Scotland’s National Museum of Flight at East Fortune outside Edinburgh, which has a fabulous collection of aircraft. The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden Park in Biggleswade may be unrivalled for its airworthy antiques, and puts on air shows almost every week throughout the summer. That’s where I got up-close-and-personal with the world’s only Lysander that is still flying—it’s the starring role aircraft of Code Name Verity.

[Lizzie meets Lizzie - Westland Lysander, courtesy of the Shuttleworth Collection ]

The Shuttleworth Collection is also home to an airworthy Avro Anson, another aircraft featured in Code Name Verity, and a Spitfire that was used in the filming of The Battle of Britain! The Imperial War Museum’s collection at Duxford is legendary, but they also have some interesting creatures at their main museum in London, including the twisted metal remains of the Messerchmitt Bf 110 that Rudolph Hess crashlanded in Scotland in 1941 in his alleged attempt to broker a peace deal between Britain and Germany.

It’s easier to get rides in vintage aircraft than you might think, although you have to be willing to pay quite a lot (18th and 21st birthdays, graduations, etc. could be opportunities for arm-twisting of grandparents or other generous relatives… I mean, if I could get someone else to pay, flying in formation with a Spitfire would totally beat laser tag or even bungee jumping, IMHO). If you’re a little more inventive, try looking up a local flying club to see if they have any vintage aircraft of their own. Sometimes a club member will take you for a ride just to be nice. You’re not allowed to pay a pilot who isn’t an instructor, but some instructors own their own aircraft.

As for modern aircraft, there’s no Civil Air Guard training available nowadays, and you probably won’t get as lucky as Code Name Verity’s Maddie in terms of being in the right place at the right time. But there are a few opportunities out there if you’re willing to put the time and effort into finding them, such as the Air Cadets, EAA Young Eagles, and Air Scouts.

Above all, there is always a local airfield. The nearest local club where I can rent a small plane or fly with an instructor is five miles away as the crow flies; half an hour’s drive to the east and the west are two others. But it’s hard to beat the one where I had my Tiger Moth flight—the West London Aero Club at White Waltham, former headquarters of the Air Transport Auxiliary itself.

Enjoy the flight!

Links to organizations :

Air Transport Auxiliary Museum, Maidenhead:
http://www.atamuseum.org/

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight homepage:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/

Imperial War Museum, Duxford:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford

Imperial War Museum, London:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london

Scotland’s National Museum of Flight at East Fortune:
http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/museum_of_flight.aspx

The Shuttleworth Collection:
http://www.shuttleworth.org/

Public Flights Available in Vintage Aircraft:
http://www.duxfordflying.co.uk/
http://www.classicflight.com/theAircraft
http://www.intotheblue.co.uk/flying-experiences/vintage-aeroplanes/

Youth Schemes:

EAA Young Eagles:
http://www.youngeagles.org/

Air Scouts:
http://www.airscouts.org.uk/

Air Cadets:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/
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Thanks Elizabeth!

You can find Elizabeth on her website.

Don't forget to check out the next stop on the tour over at Finding Wonderland tomorrow.

Code Name Verity is published 6 February 2012 by Electric Monkey.

Q&A with Katie Dale

2012-02-03T06:00:00.042Z

Katie Dale is the author of Someone Else's Life, which was published by Simon & Schuster on 2 February 2012. Katie kindly took the time to answer a few of my questions...
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How did you come up with the idea for Someone Else’s Life?

I love stories about family secrets and moral dilemmas, then one day an item about two babies that had been swapped at birth came up on the news and it just stuck in my head. What would you do if you found out you were swapped at birth? How would you cope with that? What would you do with the information, knowing that your whole life had been a lie…?

Then I heard about Huntington’s disease, and as I learned more about the illness and how it affects entire families and all your life choices it became a much bigger part of the story. What would you do if you were at risk for a devastating genetic illness – would you take a test and find out for sure what your future holds? Or would you rather not know? What if you took a test and discovered your mother wasn’t your mother…?
From that moment the two issues combined and that was the story I just had to write.

Did you need to do a lot of research for the novel?

I wanted to do a lot of research because I wanted to make sure I got all my facts right. I had never heard of Huntington’s disease before I started writing Someone Else’s Life, so I consulted midwives, social workers, professors and geneticists and most importantly met and contacted a lot of people with and affected by Huntington’s disease, who were kind enough to share their experiences with me, and even read the book before it went to print to make sure everything I described was accurate and authentic.

I loved the dual narrative in the novel. What made you decide to write it this way?

At first I wrote Someone Else’s Life as a single narrative, but as it progressed it became clear that there was another voice that demanded to be heard! Consequently I went back and added in a second narrative and that’s when the story really came to life. I think there are two sides (at least!) to every tale and I found it fascinating to explore both viewpoints – especially when they argued! I think it’s a really good way to explore an issue as it hopefully splits your sympathies as a reader and demonstrates that things are rarely as black-and-white as one person may think.

The book really made me consider the importance of being biologically related – what it means to know who we are and where we came from – and the true meaning of family. Are these themes you wanted to explore?

Definitely. I’m very interested in the concept of identity – what makes us who we are? Is it genetic? Or how we’re brought up? Or a combination of the two? Or do we ourselves decide through our own choices and actions? Likewise, the idea of family is an interesting one. Just because you’re related to someone should you automatically love them? What if you found out someone you love isn’t related to you after all – does that change the way you feel about them? What does “family” really mean?

Did you always want to be a writer?

No! When I was a little girl I really wanted to grow up to be a farmer’s wife! (Read more at http://katiedaleuk.blogspot.com/p/story-so-fara-series-of-fortunate.html) Then the acting bug kicked in and I pursued that right into drama school and beyond, but I’ve always loved writing too. My mum, Elizabeth Dale, is a children’s author, so it’s always been in the background, and I did lots of writing courses at university, but it wasn’t until I entered the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices competition that I seriously pursued it as a career. That gave me the confidence to work hard and finish my first novel – and now it’s such a thrill to see it published!

What is a typical writing day like for you? Are they any ‘must-haves’ you need before you can sit down to write?

Not really! I stagger out of bed, flop onto the sofa and pick up my laptop and then hours can pass before I realize I’ve missed breakfast and I’m still in my PJs! If I get stuck, then I do need props – coffee, sweets, things to nibble while I think and mull things over – and I usually time my lunch-break so I can watch Neighbours  I need my Australian soap fix!

What’s your favourite aspect of writing? And the most challenging?

My favourite aspect of writing is that I can work on my sofa in my PJs! And that if I’m really tired I don’t HAVE to get up early to get to a day job (my other half is REALLY jealous about that!). The most challenging aspect is that unlike lots of jobs, I have to produce my work from inside my head – there’s no formula or routine that can get me through – if I get stuck or the words just aren’t coming it can be really frustrating!

What’s next for you? Are you working on something at the moment?
Yes, I’m currently in the middle of writing an as-yet untitled YA thriller! Here’s the blurb:

Tall, dark, and handsome, the first time Sasha meets mysterious Christian she knows he is The One. But Christian is hiding a terrible secret. Why does he clam up every time Sasha asks about his past? Why does he have the initials L.N. engraved on his watch? Why doesn’t he have any family – and why does he dye his blond hair black?

Then one day Christian’s house goes up in flames, his tyres are slashed, he flees for his life, and Sasha insists on going with him.

But as Christian’s secret is unveiled in front of the whole world, it seems everything he’s ever told Sasha is a lie. Even his name. Her loyalties torn, her emotions in tatters, Sasha must decide whether to stand by the man she loves, or turn him over to his pursuers. Can what they’re saying about him really be true? Should she trust him? Or is she in terrible danger…?

But Christian isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

For what if their accidental meeting was no accident at all…
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Thanks Katie!

You can find Katie on her website and Twitter.

You can read my review for Someone Else's Life here

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

2012-02-02T06:00:00.111Z

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2 February 2012

From Goodreads: When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles. But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all...

This is one of those books that really makes you wonder what you would do in that situation. There are no easy answers for the characters in this and I found myself completely immersed in it - desperate to know what they would decide.

The story follows Daisy as she learns the crushing truth - the women who raised her was not her biological mother. Already devastated by her mother's death from Huntington's disease she becomes desperate to find her biological mother - which takes her on a journey where she discovers more than she thought possible...

I really enjoyed the dual narrative in this - and how at first we are not sure who the other person is. I loved both voices - especially Rosie's. She comes across as a really caring person - I loved that she was willing to give up everything to be there for her mother when she got ill. Her story is devastating - but I love that she gets to a place where she can be happy. And I loved Andy! He's a really nice guy and he is a great match for Rosie - I enjoyed their relationship. There is a genuine connection between the two of them.

I LOVED Jack! Honestly I adored him - he is everything I think a good parent (and person!) should be. Don't get me stared on what I think of Kitty but it does raise an interesting point about how she had made her choice and we should respect it.

The story really made me consider the importance of being biologically related and what being a family really means. I came to the conclusion that family is much more than that - it's about who's there for the day to day things - who sees you for you and loves you anyway. It also made me think about when the truth is the best option - whether it's better to know or to not know. And how sometimes it's better if someone else makes that choice for you.

Someone Else's Life has a raw and very honest feel to it that kept me hooked and invested in the characters. Katie Dale is definitely an author to watch - she's a brilliant new voice in YA and I'm very excited to see what she writes next.

Kiss Date Love Hate by Luisa Plaja

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001Z

For Review: Random House
Published: 2 February 2012

From Goodreads: What if you could change your friends' lives and loves through the settings of a computer game...?

Lex Murphy's group of friends have all dated, hated, ignored and lusted after each other for the last few years. If only there was a way of matching people perfectly to avoid all the unrequited love, dumping and drama! Then Lex's friend George is given a mysterious Sims-like game by his software-testing dad which involves building character profiles in the categories of Life, Looks and Love. Lex and George populate the game with avatars for all their mates, making a few 'wishful thinking' adjustments to the settings - and find that the next day these tinkerings have come true! But how long can this new calm, loved-up atmosphere continue?

Another brilliant, funny, sweet and magical story from Luisa Plaja. I completely fell in love with it!

When Lex and her best friend George test one of his father's games and decide to base all the characters on themselves and their friends, they find their settings actually change in real life! Can George use it to capture the heart of his long time love, and will Lex be able to get Matt back? But what about the gorgeous Drew...

OMG! How much did I love Lex? She is just absolutely adorable! She made me laugh (and cry...) and I love that she is so forthcoming. She can be a bit down on herself - and we realise exactly why in the end - but over the course of the story we really see her grow and accept herself for who she is.

I also loved George and the relationship between him and Lex. The way she keeps referring to him as almost her brother because of the relationship history between their parents - and the banter they have with each other. They are obviously close and very good friends - they both had me laughing out loud.

And as for Drew... HELLO GORGEOUS SCOTTISH BOY! I could definitely see what Lex saw in him and I had to shout at her every time she decided she liked Matt more (who in my opinion really was a word rhyming with his name!) I loved how the relationship between her and Drew plays out - how good they are together and how he really sees her. Super, super sweet!

I also really enjoyed the magical element of the story - in this case the game. I love how it's entwined in the story in a way that isn't gimmicky but really adds to it. It's fun but it also puts the characters in a position where they can evolve and learn something about themselves which is very interesting and touching to read. The scene toward the end with Lex, Martin and her mother is especially poignant.

A clever concept - it has more going on than you first realise - and it really made me stop and think. Luisa Plaja is really great a creating characters you love spending time with - I enjoyed every minute of this book and I am really looking forward to whatever she writes next.

I Wish I Was Lex Murphy by Luisa Plaja (Guest Post)

2012-01-30T06:00:00.054Z

I am really pleased to present a guest post by Luisa Plaja - the author of Extreme Kissing, Split by a Kiss, Swapped by a Kiss and Kiss Date Love Hate. I shall hand you over...
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I Wish I Was Lex Murphy
guest post by Luisa Plaja, author of Kiss Date Love Hate – www.luisaplaja.com/

The novel that's now Kiss Date Love Hate started its first-draft life many years ago with the title I Wish I Was Lex Murphy.

It wasn't exactly the book you'll be able to read now, but it also wasn't a million miles away. There was magic. There were game settings and adjustments to profiles that came true in real life and caused all kinds of relationship mayhem.

There was Lex, a girl who wished she could be someone else. (Anyone spotted a common theme in all my novels?!) And George, a kind and generous boy who was never seen as boyfriend material by anyone, much to his misery. There was Matt, the perfect ex that Lex dumped but never quite got over. And Drew: mysterious, misunderstood and always kind of smouldering. Gemma was an ex-friend. George fancied Jess and Jess didn’t notice. The cast were already, in Lex’s words, “all in a love chain made of broken links”.

Also present from the outset was the film theme. In fact, this is how Kiss Date Love Hate really started; not from the premise of a girl who controls her friends' lives and loves from the settings of a computer game, but from the idea of a film-loving girl who was named after a movie character, and who wished she could be more like that character - in Lex Murphy's case, a capable computer whizz who saves the day after people start meddling with the forces of nature. (In Kiss Date Love Hate, though, Lex is one of the people who does the meddling.)

Here are two film versions of Lex with quotes from Kiss Date Love Hate:

Lex Murphy as Lex Murphy from Jurassic Park (played by Ariana Richards) - how Lex wishes she was...

"I’ve always been into films. I’m named after a film character, after all. Mum was watching the dinosaur movie Jurassic Park when she went into labour, and she thought it was funny that the child characters had the same surname as us, so she gave me the same first name as the ‘clever blonde girl, Lex Murphy’. And she ended up with me: the Improver bald-patch girl, Lex Murphy. It says ‘Alexa’ on my birth certificate, though, because my nan thought it was a more sensible name and talked Mum into it. But I’ve always been Lex, except when I’m in trouble."

Lex Murphy as Arwen Evenstar from The Lord of the Rings (played by Liv Tyler) – Lex as seen by George (who wishes he was a film-star, too – ‘a very young George Clooney’)

I peer at the screen. It’s a skinny girl who looks like an elf with medium-length brown hair. And . . . a clumpy bald patch! Oh my God! ‘That’s me! Well, me crossed with that girl-elf from Lord of the Rings.’ I turn to face him.
‘You said I should try some other girls.’
‘Ugh! George! I didn’t mean me! That truly is pervy! You’ve made me look like one of your elf crushes.’
‘You do look a bit like Arwen Evenstar,’ he says nerdishly. ‘In real life, I mean. And I do not have elf crushes. Though you should say “elven” crushes, and Arwen is actually only half elven.’

Of course, Lex isn’t really anything like either of these characters. You can see her start to work out and accept who she really is in the course of Kiss Date Love Hate...
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Thanks Luisa!

You can find Luisa on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001Z

For Review: Headline
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Imagine if she hadn't forgotten the book. Or if there hadn't been traffic on the expressway. Or if she hadn't fumbled the coins for the toll. What if she'd run just that little bit faster and caught the flight she was supposed to be on. Would it have been something else - the weather over the Atlantic or a fault with the plane?

Hadley isn't sure if she believes in destiny or fate but, on what is potentially the worst day of each of their lives, it's the quirks of timing and chance events that mean Hadley meets Oliver...

Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

This is such a sweet story and it's guaranteed to make you smile!

When Hadley misses her flight by minutes she meets Oliver. The two share an instant connection when they find themselves on the same flight to London. Is it fate that they meet? And is there such a thing as love at first sight?

I loved the connection between Hadley and Oliver. Even when the two parted ways at the airport it constantly played in the background - I kept wondering when they would see each other again.. And I really liked the fact the story has more to it than just the romance. Don't get me wrong - I loved the romance - but both Hadley and Oliver had things going on in their lives which proved interesting to read about. I particularly liked the storyline involving Hadley and her father - it was touching to see them try to sort out their troubles.

I also really liked the way this all took place over a 24 hour period. It makes it feel even more romantic and I can't stop myself from wondering what happens next. I would definitely love to catch up with Hadley and Oliver!

At just over 200 pages this is a quick read, but a very satisfying one! I really did enjoy it and would recommend it to all those romantics out there.

I want to read that...

2012-01-25T12:00:00.001Z

Revived by Cat Patrick

From Goodreads: As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

I loved Forgotten by Cat Patrick and am really looking forward to this one! And it sounds so good!

It's published May (US) and July (UK)

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle

2012-01-23T00:01:00.002Z

For Review: Penguin
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads:
Losing love, fighting guilt, seeking hope.

Daisy’s mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it and as far as Daisy’s concerned, it’s all her fault…

Saving Daisy is a powerful and moving story that follows the life of Daisy Houghton who first featured in Phil Earle’s critically acclaimed debut, Being Billy.

As Daisy struggles with misplaced guilt over her mother’s death, she turns to extreme and violent measures and soon her life starts spiralling out of control. This leads to tragedy and suddenly Daisy finds herself left all alone. But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy – if she’ll only let herself be saved.

Since reading the fabulous Being Billy I have been looking forward to reading Daisy's story. Now that I have, Phil Earle has truly cemented himself as an author I will read simply because his name is on the cover. I absolutely loved it.

The events of Saving Daisy take place before Being Billy making this a prequel of sorts. I loved finding out all about Daisy and having the story told from her point of view - I adored her in Being Billy and loved her even more after reading this. One of the things I really liked about Being Billy was the authentic voice given to Billy and I have to say that he did it again with Daisy. She's so real you can't help but get swept up in her story and feel everything she felt. I felt so bad for her and everything she goes through. She's so convinced that everything is her fault - that she deserves to be alone. Her reaction to her mother's death is understandable - it must be very hard to deal with - and I hated that someone used that to get close to her when he shouldn't. And, of course, the accident would be hard for anyone to deal with - add it all together and it's not surprising that she finds it hard to cope.

Again it's obvious that Phil Earle has experience working with kids - it shines through in his writing. He has such an understanding of what Daisy and kids like her are going through - the whole story is just spot on and feels completely realistic. Powerfully so. I so desperately wanted Daisy to stop blaming herself - to find a way to see that none of it was her fault. And I loved Ade - her key worker - and how she manages to help Daisy see the truth.

I can't recommend this highly enough. I loved Being Billy but this managed to surpass all my expectations. An absolute must read!

In My Mailbox (127)

2012-01-22T18:00:00.000Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kirsti @ The Story Siren

Review:

Pulse by Tricia Rayburn
Desert Angel by Charlie Price
Starters by Lissa Price
Model Behaviour by Jo Cotterill
Legend by Marie Lu
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
The Broken Road by B R Collins
Dragonskin Slippers by Jessica Day George
Dragon Flight by Jesscia Day George
Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Falling Fast by Sophie McKenzie

Massive thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Other Words For Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
Pigeon English by Stephan Kelman
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Hope you all had a great week:)

Strange Chemistry: YA Launch Titles

2012-01-21T06:00:00.002Z

I'm been very excited by the news of Angry Robot's new YA imprint - Strange Chemistry - and am now even more excited! The first two titles on their list sound amazing!

Here's the press release with all the details:

Angry Robot Announces Strange Chemistry Launch Titles

Strange Chemistry - the YA imprint of award-winning indie genre fiction publisher Angry Robot - has announced two deals that will help launch the list into publishing super-stardom.

In a post on Strange Chemistry’s website – http://strangechemistrybooks.com/ – imprint editor Amanda Rutter has revealed that Strange Chemistry’s first two titles will be…

Shift by Kim Curran

About The Book: When your average, 16-year old loser, Scott Tyler, meets the beautiful and mysterious Aubrey Jones, e learns he’s not quite so average after all. He’s a ‘Shifter’. And that means he has the power to undo any decision he’s ever made. At first, he thinks the power to shift is pretty cool. But as his world quickly starts to unravel around him he realises that each time he uses his power, it has consequences; terrible unforeseen consequences. Shifting is going to get him killed. In a world where everything can change with a thought, Scott has to decide where he stands.

About the Author: Kim Curran was born in Dublin and moved to London when she was seven. After studying Philosophy and Literature at Sussex University her plan of being paid big bucks to think deep thoughts never quite paid off. She became an advertising copywriter instead, specialising in writing for video games. She lives in SW London with her husband, if they’re not both off travelling. When she’s not writing she fences and plays guitar, both very badly.

Visit Kim online at http://www.kimcurran.co.uk/

Kim Curran says: “When I saw Angry Robot was launching a YA imprint I literally said I would kill to be published by those guys. So to have signed with Strange Chemistry is everything I could have wished for and then some. To say I’m excited is a massive understatement. I just hope I won’t be expected to actually kill anyone!”

Amanda Rutter says: “We’ve signed debut novelist Kim Curran for two books in a new YA SF thriller series. The first title – Shift – will be published in September of this year, with the second to follow in 2013. The deal, concluded with Sam Copeland, of Rogers, Coleridge and White Ltd, includes world English rights in physical and electronic formats.

“As soon as I read the first page of Shift, I absolutely knew I wanted Kim on board. The novel is fast-paced, exciting and a real page turner. I simply cannot wait to introduce the world of Scott and Aubrey to YA readers!”

Poltergeeks by Sean Cummings

About the Book: Julie is an apprentice witch – or so she believes. When a dark power comes stalking out of the past to haunt her and her mother, Julie learns that she is far more than just a witch. With the help of her best friend Marcus and a rather unusual Great Dane, Julie has to race against time to ensure she can defeat the bad guy, save her mother and avoid being grounded – again!

About the Author: Sean Cummings lives in Saskatoon, Canada. He’s a comic book geek, superhero junkie, zombie fan and a total nerd. His interests include science fiction, the borg, cats with extra toes, east Indian cuisine and quality sci-fi movies/television. Sean has been writing since 1978 (as a means of liberating his “inner nerd”) and his published works for adults include Shade Fright, Funeral Pallor and Unseen World, all published by Snowbooks. Poltergeeks is his first book for Young Adults.

Visit Sean online at http://www.sean-cummings.ca/ and http://www.darkcentralstation.com./

Amanda Rutter says: “We have signed Sean for two novels in the Poltergeeks universe, the first to be published in October of this year with the second to follow in the summer of 2013. The deal, concluded with Jenny Savill and Ella Kahn of Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Ltd, includes world English rights in physical and electronic formats.

“Sean has written a wonderful book with a title that made the whole AR office sit up and take notice – who wouldn’t want to read a novel called Poltergeeks?! As you read further, you just become gripped by this sassy and sarcastic apprentice witch who has to face down the darkest of powers. It’s just a tremendous story, and I’m thrilled that Strange Chemistry is bringing it to you.”

Sean Cummings says: "I'm a huge fan of Angry Robot Books and when I heard they were starting a Young Adult imprint I just knew they'd be publishing some of the best in YA fiction. I'm thrilled that Poltergeeks has found a home with Strange Chemistry and I look forward to working with Amanda. (Did I mention that Angry Robot has fantastic cover art, too?)"

:::

More information can be found at strangechemistrybooks.com and angryrobotbooks.com.

Angry Robot is a genre publisher that brings readers the best in new SF, F and WTF?! Strange Chemistry is Angry Robot’s YA imprint. All titles are released as paperbacks and in all major eBook formats. Distribution is through Random House (North America) and GBS (UK). Angry Robot is part of the Osprey Group.

I want to read that...

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000Z

Survive by Alex Morel

From Goodreads: Jane runs away from Life House, a facility for kids with mental health disorders and addictions. She boards a plane to Montclair, New Jersey, though her destination does not matter—she doesn’t plan to be alive when the plane lands. Jane has planned the perfect suicide: she’ll fall asleep on the plane and never wake up. As she’s reaching for her pills in the cabin’s bathroom, the plane hits turbulence. Another jolt, and the engine’s down. The plane crashes into the mountains of Montana, and Jane and a boy named Paul are the only two survivors.

What starts out as a death mission quickly becomes a fight for life.

This sounds very interesting! I really like the idea of someone who was ready to give up on life being forced to fight to survive.

It's published August 2012.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001Z

For Review: Egmont
Published: 2 January 2012

From Goodreads: For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

I still can't believe it took me so long to read Unearthly but I didn't make the same mistake with this one - I read it as soon as I had it in my possession. And it is good. Seriously good! In fact I would go as far as to say I loved it even more than Unearthly.

The story pretty much picks up where we left off. Still trying to make sense of her purpose and the aftermath of the fires, Clara finds her life get even more complicated when she gets a new vision - that someone close to her will die. Desperate to prevent this from happening Clara discovers that there is more at stake than she first thought...

I loved Clara in the first instalment and I loved her even more in this one. She has a goodness about her that pulls you in - you can't help but love her. I also still adore Tucker (how I love that boy!) but I got my wish - Cynthia Hand really made me like Christian. He plays a much bigger role this time around and there is a quiet intensity about him that I found compelling. He's there for Clara if she needs him but he also knows when to pull away. Well...almost always.

Jeffrey still has me worried. There is something going on with him - and I have the feeling it's not good. Plus we get a lot of revelations in this one and I'm embarrassed to say I saw none of them coming! I honestly cannot wait to see how this all plays out! And, of course, I'm still holding onto my hopes for Clara and Tucker. And I'm definitely going to have my tantrum if they don't end up together - and this is why: It's Tucker who sees Clara for her. Who she is - angel and human. Christian didn't see her at all until he knew who (and what) she was. Sure he was polite and nice but he just didn't seem interested. That doesn't mean I don't think Christian cares - I do - I just love the fact that Tucker noticed her straight away. And despite that awful red hair...

So I can't wait to get my hands on the next book - and have no idea how I'm going to wait until 2013! It's complete torture! I can't wait to get back into this world. Really - if you haven't picked up this series yet - please do. It's fantastic!

Fated by Sarah Alderson

2012-01-18T11:00:00.002Z

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads: What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

I picked this one up with very high expectations - I absolutely loved Alderson's previous novel Hunting Lila - and I am very please to say it lived up to them all. The story has a very different feel to Hunting Lila but I think if you enjoyed Hunting Lila you will love this too.

The story follows Evie Tremain as she discovers she is actually the last in a family tree of Demon Hunters. Of course, she only learns the truth because a band of assassins - consisting of every monster you could (but may not) wish to think of - comes to kill her. One of them being Lucas Gray - a half human, half-Shadow Warrior. But when he is sent to spy on her and kill her before she can fulfil her destiny he starts to question everything he has ever known...

I officially love Sarah Alderson. I don't know how she does it but she manages to create a world and characters I find myself completely invested in. I loved Evie - she strong and likeable and is just someone who is very easy to relate to. Lucas - who we could have really disliked - actually became someone I was really rooting for. And I loved the two of them together - great chemistry! Really great chemistry!

The story is full of action and is obviously very well thought out - I loved all the different demons and their histories - and both back stories for Lucas and Evie - I'm really hoping this is going to be a series! But having said that if that doesn't turn out to be the case there is enough of a finish to this one. I just want more Evie and Lucas!

Fast paced and totally addictive - I can't wait for more by this author.

Cover to Covet (22)

2012-01-16T06:00:00.004Z

I LOVE book covers. Love, love love them. So I decided to make it a regular post - each post featuring a cover I love.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

I'm sure many of you have already seen this but I had to post it as I LOVE this cover! I really like the colour and how golden it is. I also like how it fits the story but how it's different from other dystopian novel covers being released at the moment.. And I love the tag line.

Pandemonium is published 1 March 2012 (UK) but I can tell you now that it is AWESOME! I'll have my review up nearer the publication date.

What do you think of the cover? Love it? Hate it?

In My Mailbox (126)

2012-01-15T00:01:00.070Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

If I Die by Rachel Vincent
Kiss, Date, Love, Hate by Luisa Plaja
Poison Heart by S B Hayes
Under Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Sword of Light by Katherine Roberts
Stones For My Father by Trilby Kent

Big thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
Winter's Kiss by Catherine Hapka and Jennifer Echols
Haven by Kristi Cook
Real life Boyfriends by E Lockhart
Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes
Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook
Unravelling Isobel by Eileen Cook
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
Kitty Kitty by Michelle Jaffe
Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Hope you all had a great week:)

C J Daugherty: My Best, Worst and Oddest Writing Experiences (Night School Blog Tour)

2012-01-14T06:00:00.041Z

As part of the Blog Tour for her new novel Night School, C J Daugherty has stopped by to talk about her best, worst and oddest writing experiences...
---

My Writing Life: The Good, The Bad and The Weird

My best writing job

Aside from writing Night School (that would be too obvious), my best writing was my first ever proper journalism job at a medium-sized daily newspaper in the US.

I worked the evening shift, from 4pm to midnight with a brilliant crime photographer.
We used police scanners to keep up with the crimes the local force was dealing with. I taped a list of police codes to my computer. I still remember some of them. A signal 14 (one-four in police parlance) was a shooting. We heard that one a lot.

Every night we dashed from one crime scene to another – a shooting here, a robbery there – to get the basic facts from detectives and witnesses. Then we’d rush back to the newsroom to file photos and stories.

It was intense and scary and fascinating. I loved it.

The worst writing job

Well, this is a very competitive category. I’ve stormed out of more than a few jobs. Gritted my teeth and finished many more.

The only one that still rankles was a freelance job writing for a famous international magazine’s website (I’ll name no names). Looking back it’s kind of tragic. I was so excited about it when I first got the assignment. It seemed like a dream job.

Unfortunately, the editor was such a wanker that it turned into my worst nightmare. Pardon my language but there is no better word to describe this man. He kept changing his mind about what he wanted, and each time he’d write me an awful patronising message. These were passed on to me through a really nice assistant who felt very sorry for me and kept apologising.

At first I was nice. Then I was wounded. But after a couple of months of this torture, I’d had enough. And I decided I didn’t want this job anymore. So I wrote him a flaming barn-burner of a response. I’ve still got it on my computer. And it still makes me laugh. He’d asked me to write a sidebar on US/UK language differences, then made fun of my suggestions. So wrote ‘How about this instead?” Then I compiled a list of every obscene British insult I could think of. And after each one I wrote his name.

Strangely, that was the last time I heard from him.

The weirdest writing job.

For a while in the 1990s I worked for a private university in the US researching wealthy students and writing reports about them. I was like an education private detective.

It worked like this. Using public records I’d find out everything about these students and their families. How many spouses their parents had been through, every job their parents had ever worked. How many houses they owned. Where they went on holiday. Every charitable or political donation they ever made. Then these would be compiled in to reports.

The fund raising office would then use these to try and convince the parents to donate to the university. I always imagined they’d get letters that said things like, “If you like Broadway and travel in the Bahamas, you should give to our university for its awesome Travel Theatre Group.”

Anyway, the job was super creepy. But I’m a natural snoop so I can’t say I didn’t kind of like it.
---
Thanks C J! I had to laugh at what you did to that editor - classic!

You can find C J Daugherty on her website , on facebook and on twitter.

And you can read my review for Night School here.

Fifteen Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins

2012-01-12T06:00:00.016Z

For Review: OUP
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads: Fifteen-year-old Laurence Roach just wants a normal life, but it's not easy when your mum is a depressed alcoholic, and your six-year-old brother thinks he's a dog. When Mum fails to come home one night, Laurence tells nobody, terrified he and his brother will be taken into care if anyone finds out. Instead, he attempts to keep up the pretence that Mum is still around: dressing up in her clothes to trick the neighbours and spinning an increasingly complicated tangle of lies. After two weeks on their own, running out of food and money, and with suspicious adults closing in, Laurence finally discovers what happened to his mother. And that's when the trouble really starts . . .

A compelling thriller filled with some hilarious and surreal moments. Fifteen Days Without a Head is a tender, honest story about family, forgiveness and hope.

I've had the feeling I would really enjoy this one ever since hearing the author read an excerpt at an event last year. It's a fantastic debut - humorous and poignant - I loved every minute.

The story follows Laurence and his brother Jay when their mother doesn't come home from work. Scared that they will be separated again, Laurence does everything in his power to hide his mother's absence from the authorities. But with an incredibly nosey neighbour and money running out will Laurence find his mother before it's too late?

I loved the characters in this - Cousins really managed to bring them all to life. Laurence was someone I invested in straight away - he's kind, considerate and is amazing with his younger brother. Jay is absolutely adorable - I loved how he constantly pretended to be a dog! And I even felt for their mother. I loved how she was a three dimensional character too - someone I rooted for as much as Laurence and Jay. I wanted her to get better - to be able to be there for her family.

I also really enjoyed the budding friendship Laurence develops with Mina. She's great - fun and sassy - plus she is there when Laurence really needs her. I also loved the way she is with Jay. And the way she fits into their 'Scooby gang' as Velma. I really loved all the Scooby references - they way it made Laurence and Jay a team - and how they used it to try and solve where there mother had gone.

I did find it interesting that in reading this book from an adult perspective I felt uncomfortable that they could hide what was happening for so long. I think it's interesting that the people who are supposed to be those that can help are actually the ones these kids fear - the idea of being separated from each other fuels their need to hide what is happening from the authorities - even at a risk to themselves. But at the same time I was rooting for them and for their mother to sort herself out. You can see through Laurence's memories that she is a caring person - but that she has her own demons to face - and essentially that she needs help. It doesn't excuse what she does - has done - but it made her someone I really felt for.

This is a gem of a book - funny, realistic - I didn't want to put it down. I'm super excited to see what Dave Cousins writes next.

Sue Limb's Fave Funny Books & Giveaway (Blog Tour)

2012-01-11T06:00:00.060Z

I'm really pleased to be part of the blog tour for Chocolate SOS by Sue Limb. It's such a fun series! I'll hand you over so she can tell you about her fave funny books...

---
Several books have made me laugh out loud recently. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson, an American’s walking tour of our green and pleasant land, was a runaway success from the moment it hit the bookshops. I can still remember laughing until I got a life-threatening coughing fit when I read the bit where he goes into a bar in Glasgow and attempts to communicate with the locals: ‘”Hae ya nae hook ma dook?” he said. “I’m sorry?” I replied. &c, &c… ’

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison introduced Georgia Nicholson to a fascinated world. I read it on the train home from London, and it made me want to write comedy for teenagers, too. The idea that a boy could give snogging lessons at his home, in a brisk no-nonsense businesslike way a bit like a piano teacher dispensing his services and collecting payment, will enchant me forever.

I know it’s a classic, but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice still makes me smile even though I have read it loads of times. I love the moment when Mr Bennett says to his daughter Lizzie: ‘An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. - Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I shall never see you again if you do.’ Mr Collins is so wonderfully dry and droll that your heart beats a little faster every time he comes into the room, and you can’t wait to hear his latest acid asides.

Character is the best source of comedy, and diaries reveal their writers’ personalities in the most direct way possible, so of course I love those 20th century icons Bridget Jones and Adrian Mole. What fun it would be if they ever met, stuck in a lift or something! Hey, that’s a great exercise for a creative writing class – feel free, help yourself, just as long as I get a credit.

One of my enduring favourites is Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M.Delafield. It was written nearly a hundred years ago but the trials of family life remain the same, and blokes are every bit as infuriating: ‘Robert, this morning, complains of insufficient breakfast. Cannot feel that porridge, scrambled eggs, toast, marmalade, scones, brown bread and coffee give adequate grounds for this, but admit that porridge was burnt.’ This makes me wish that E.M. Delafield (alive and wise-cracking from1890-1943) was my best friend, but the joy of reading means that, in a funny kind of way, she is.
---
Thanks Sue!

Below is a video interview with Sue Limb taking about Jess Jordan and a sneak peek at the first chapter of Chocolate SOS:

Chocolate SOS (First Chapter)

Don't forget to check out the Jess Jordan website by clicking here.

And - thanks to the lovely team at Bloomsbury - I have three copies of Chocolate SOS to giveaway. The giveaway is open to UK only - just fill in the form below to enter. Closing date is 18 January 2012. Good Luck:)

This Giveaway is now closed.

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000Z

For Review: HarperCollins
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads: Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

I really like this series. I love the characters and the world and I was really excited to catch up with them all.

Evie is now living her dream - a normal life. But despite her love for her locker (!) - not everything is quite how she imagined. She doesn't feel as if she fit's in and with Lend away at college she doesn't see him as much as she thought. The only thing keeping her going is getting into the same college as Lend. But things take an unexpected turn and she is given the chance of working for the IPCA again. Of course, this means lying to the people around her...

I love Evie, but in this instalment we get to see a different side to her. She's kind of lost her sass and I really missed it. On the other hand, I did enjoy seeing her trying to adjust to the 'real' world - she makes some really stupid decisions - but I think by the end she learns from her mistakes. And I'm glad she is finally completely honest with Lend.

I adore Lend. He's just so sweet and kind and really there for Evie. Even when she lies to him and kind of treats him badly. And I enjoy the two of them together - how they really compliment each other. She sees him for who he really is - his true self - and Lend helps Evie feel whole. She seems content when she is with him.

Jack on the other hand is a character I just didn't warm to - perhaps because he kept taking Evie away from Lend. And there just wasn't enough Reth for my liking! I really hope we get to see more of him in the next instalment. And Arianna is a character I am liking more and more.

The mythology - Evie's history and who she is - is proving very interesting and I can't wait to see how this all ends. I'll certainly be picking up Endlessly as soon as it's published.

I want to read that...

2012-01-09T06:00:00.013Z

One Moment by Kristina McBride

From Goodreads: This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below – dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

I still need to read Mcbride's previous novel The Tension Of Opposites but this one sounds seriously good!

It's published June 2012 by Egmont USA

In My Mailbox (122) & (123) & (124) & (125)

2012-01-07T20:45:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

I haven't done an IMM in a while so this is 4 weeks worth of books. I think it might be less scary doing IMM once a week lol

Review:

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling
Statistical Probility of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith
BZRK by Michael Grant
Killables by Gemma Malley
Monster Blood Tattoo 3: Factortum by D M Cornish
Supernaturally by Kiersten White
The Book Of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
Chocolate SOS by Sue Limb
Switched by Amanda Hocking
Oliver Twisted by JD Sharp and Charles Dickens
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Advent by James Treadwell
The Iron Knight by Julia Kagawa

Massive thanks to all the publishers who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Bloodborn by Karen Kincy
Grace by Elizabeth Scott
Struck by Rhona Stapleton
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Venus Rocks by Fiona Dunbar
Sweep Vol 5 by Cate Tiernan
Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon
Dart Parties by Sara Grant
Still Walters by Emma Carlson Berne
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
Harry Potter 1-6 (Signature edition) by J K Rowling
Vesper by Jeff Sampson
Working Stiff by Rachel Caine
Clorkwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
City of Fallen Angels by Casandra Clare
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning

Hope you all had a great week :D

Night School by C.J. Daugherty

2012-01-06T06:00:00.002Z

For Review: Atom
Published: 5 January 2012

Sometimes school is murder.

Allie Sheridan's world is falling apart. She hates her school. Her brother has run away from home. And she's just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have finally had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to a boarding school for problem teenagers.

But Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Its rules are strangely archaic. It allows no computers or phones. Its students are an odd mixture of the gifted, the tough and the privileged. And then there's the secretive Night School, whose activities other students are forbidden even to watch.

When Allie is attacked one night the incident sets off a chain of events leading to the violent death of a girl at the summer ball. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, Allie must learn who she can trust. And what's really going on at Cimmeria Academy.

I've been looking forward to reading this since I first heard about it last year - so I was very excited to receive a copy for review. I loved the idea that it wasn't paranormal - there's a mysterious school, strange things are happening and we don't know who to trust - it was all very intriguing and appealing - and the fact that it's not paranormal makes it fresh and different. Don't get me wrong - I love paranormal stories - but I absolutely adored the fact that this one wasn't.

The whole story kept me guessing. It was completely unpredictable and Daugherty managed to surprise me on many occasions. I didn't know what to expect - and I loved how characters you thought you knew became completely different people. I really enjoyed the whole mystery element - I spent so much time trying to work out what was going on (but failed miserably) - and I loved how it all turned out. And I like how we have many questions that still need to be answered - I can't wait to get those answers. Plus the story is set near to where I live so that is a nice added bonus.

I adored Allie. I loved how she grew in the story - she's a much stronger character by the end of the novel. And Carter West is officially my new YA crush! The two of them together is just brilliant - the way they fight but also have a connection is really sweet. Plus that scene in the lake where he helps her? Loved it!

All the characters in this are fleshed out and play important roles in the story. I really liked Jo and Rachel, plus Lucas and Lisa. Sylvain annoyed me but may have redeemed himself at the end. And I really liked the headmistress Isabelle.

While I prefer first person narrative - and can't help thinking I would have loved the story to have been written that way - I soon found myself lost in it. We get the story mostly from Allie's perspective anyway and there is a very accessible quality to Daugherty's writing that made this a joy to read. There are some fantastic action scenes - the hold your breath kind - but these are balanced with some tender moments too. I'm certainly looking forward to more - and definitely more Carter West!

Wereworld “7 Realms, 7 Beasts” Blog Tour: Ignus, The Lizardlord of Scoria

2012-01-05T06:00:00.046Z

I'm excited to be part of the Wereworld *7 Realms 7 Beasts* Blog Tour - I love the series! I shall now hand you over to it's author - Curtis Jobling - who is going to talk about Ignus, The Lizardlord. of Scoria...
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IGNUS, THE LIZARDLORD OF SCORIA

The volcanic island of Scoria is the home to the Lizardlord, Ignus, and his three brothers. In his eighth decade, Ignus’s body has been ravaged after a lifetime of overindulgence. Bald headed, with bulbous, honey-coloured eyes, he cuts a grotesque figure. His reed-thin lips run like a jagged gash across his jaw, impossibly wide, hiding within a host of needle-sharp teeth. Ignus’ neck is overlong and distended, while his oiled, hairless body shimmers with unnatural shades of colour, his therian side rippling beneath the surface, ever present.

Holding gladiatorial games within the Furnace, his fiery arena, the Werelizard will buy anyone for any price to fight for his entertainment, be they human or therianthrope. His relationship with Count Kesslar means that over his long years he has been able to take his pick of the Werelords of Lyssia the Goatlord has stolen from their homelands, each of them meeting the same terrible fate in the Furnace. The prize gladiator for Ignus would be a therian lord of great note, a warrior whose death in the arena would appease the volcanic island his palace sits atop, guaranteeing him a place amongst the gods. What price to pay for the last Grey Wolf of Westland ?

Author’s note: I blame the 80’s TV show, V, for the inclusion of the Werelizards: I remember freaking out as a kid when the aliens in said-seminal-sci-fi whipped off their rubber masks and revealed their reptilian faces beneath. Ignus is a great villain to write for, his preoccupation with death and its myriad combinations making him the most bloodthirsty of bad guys. He’s the first ‘exotic’ Werelord to appear in the pages of SHADOW OF THE HAWK, his arena providing many more to challenge and provoke our hero, Drew Ferran. There’s a connection between the Lizardlords and the other great were-reptile from RISE OF THE WOLF, Vala the Wereserpent, that makes them fun to describe in Drew’s eyes; they’re so much more alien to a boy from the Cold Coast could ever expect to meet, and tap into a deep, primal fear for our main character. It’s worth bearing in mind that although Ignus might be a touch out of shape as Werelords go – a lifetime of excess seeing to that – there’s plenty of bite left in this old reptilianthrope. If Drew’s gets his chance to take down Ignus, he’d better make no mistake. The last thing anyone needs is an enraged, psychotic Lizardlord on their tail...

Curtis, December 13th 2011

http://www.curtisjobling.com/

http://www.wereworldbooks.com/

Follow Curtis on Twitter: @CurtisJobling
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Thanks Curtis!

The next stop on the tour is tomorrow over at The Book Zone (For Boys) . And make sure you check out the Spinebreakers website throughout the week were you can enter their ‘Friday 13th’ ‘Wereworld lucky for some’ competition!

The third book in the series - Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk - is published 5 January 2012

Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-01-04T06:00:00.043Z

For Review: Bloomsbury
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads: By the time Delaney Maxwell was pulled from a Maine lake’s icy waters by her best friend, Decker Phillips, her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead.

But somehow Delaney survived—despite the brain scans that show irreparable damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be fine, but she knows she’s far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can’t control or explain, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying, and when she meets Troy Varga, a boy who recently emerged from a coma with the same abilities, she is relieved to share this strange new existence. Unsure if her altered brain is predicting death or causing it, Delaney must figure out if their gift is a miracle, a freak of nature—or something else much more frightening….

I seriously, seriously enjoyed this book. There is something really compelling about it - I was so engrossed in Delaney and her story that I couldn't stop reading.

I loved the idea behind the story. It has a paranormal aspect to it but reads as if it is a contemporary - and I really liked that. The repercussions of surviving something she really shouldn't have - and what that means - not just to her but those around her - was a story I found myself completely addicted to. I loved how it was written too - I really felt as if I was in Delaney's head - feeling what she felt.

As for Decker - I fell in love with him the moment he came running into Delaney's hospital room and collapsed sobbing on the bed. He is just utterly adorable and I loved the two of them together - as friends - and as maybe more. The two of them seriously have chemistry but it's more than that - I could see how close they had been in the past - how close they are now - and how good they could be together. And I loved the way they met as kids - with him claiming "Tomorrow I'll make you smile."

Troy Varga on the other hand is a very complex character - he's interesting and intriguing - but I can't say I liked him. He, to me at least, just came across as creepy. But he plays an integral part in the story and is a kind of balance for Delaney - he represents what she could be perhaps? And definitely makes you root for her to take a very different path.

As I said before this has a paranormal edge to it - but even if you take that away you are left with a completely absorbing read. I loved how Delaney struggles to come to terms with what has happened to her - and what is happening to her. The way it affects her relationship with her parents - her mother in particular - and how it brings memories to the surface for her mother. I also loved the impact it has on her relationship with Decker and her friends - how it forces them to make changes.

My only quibble is that I didn't get enough closure at the end. I wanted more - I wanted to know what the consequences were to the final scenes with Troy. What the last scene meant for Delaney and Decker. And what happened with their circle of friends? I know I can make my own decisions - and have - but I still would have like to have those questions answered.

Overall though this is a stunning debut - I am definitely going to check out whatever Megan Miranda writes next!

Cover Wars: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2012-01-03T06:00:00.022Z

US / UK

I really can't choose! I really like the US one - I'm still a fan of dark covers and I love the model they use and the way her face is almost hidden by her hood. The only thing I don't like about it is the arm - I would have preferred it to be all black. I also really like the UK one - it's different and something I would definitely pick up to see what it's about - there is something really haunting and intriguing about it.

What do you think? Do you have a strong preference?

Don't Call Me Ishmael Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway

2012-01-02T06:00:00.050Z

Michael Gerard Bauer is the author of Don’t Call Me Ishamel and he kindly stopped by to talk about the inspiration for the book. I shall now hand you over...
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The inspiration for my book Don’t Call Me Ishmael is a little weird but it shows that stories can come from anywhere and begin with the tiniest of thoughts. I’ve had stories come from childhood memories, from watching TV, from just a name, and in Ishmael’s case, from a picture. What I’ve discovered is that stories tend to find me, rather than the other way around.

The idea for Don’t Call Me Ishmael started one day when I was writing another story in my study. At one point I stopped and looked at the big notice board beside my desk. One of the many things pinned to it was a still image from the original film version of Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. It showed Captain Ahab (Gregory Peck) with a harpoon in his hand, clinging to the side of the Great White Whale and desperately trying to seek revenge against it for having torn off his leg in a past encounter.

I’d pinned that picture there years before because I thought it was a powerful and dramatic image and because I’d studied Moby Dick at University and really enjoyed it. (Yes, I could be in the minority here!) Anyway, since I knew the novel well, I was aware of the opening line which is often listed as the most famous opening line in English Literature. As I stared at the picture that opening line came into my head:

“Call me Ishmael.”

These three words are spoken by the narrator of the novel, a sailor called Ishmael. For some reason that day I imagined someone - a boy about 14 - saying the opposite, “Don’t call me Ishmael.” So the story really started just with what ended up being the four words in the title.

The reason that one little thought grew in to a story was because it made me curious and it threw up a lot of questions. Things like, “Why doesn’t this kid Ishmael like his name?” “Why did he parents give him that name in the first place?” “Who is he and what is he really like?”

In answer to that last question, I decided to make Ishmael a bit like I was when I was his age. (It does help to write about what you know.) That’s why, just like me when I was young, he’s terrified about speaking, or even just being, in front of an audience.

Just to give you an example, when I was about 10 I was an altar boy for our local church. But when I first started I was so nervous about being in front of the congregation, I used to faint every Sunday. This wasn’t much fun for me, but the parish priest was happy because a heap of people started coming to church, just to watch me pass out. I was even told that there were two old guys in the back row who used to place bets with each other on how long I would survive every Sunday!

I guess that’s why I gave Ishmael his own very embarrassing and bizarre fainting episode involving a debate, an all girls’ debating team, and a clothes-peg featuring the head of Ringo from the Beatles.

So there you have it. If it wasn’t for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick there would never have been a Don’t Call Me Ishmael.

I owe you one Herman!

Cheers
Michael.
---
Thanks Michael! I loved hearing about the inspiration behind the book - it always amazes me how it can all start with a few words or an idea and just grow from there!

You can find Michael on his Facebook page and on his Blog by clicking the links:) And don't forget to check out the next stop on the tour tomorrow at Nayu's Reading Corner

AND... *drum roll*

Thanks to the lovely team at Templar I have one copy to giveaway. The giveaway is open to UK ONLY and the CLOSING DATE is 7 January 2012. Good luck :D

This Giveaway is now closed.

British Books Challenge 2012

2012-01-01T14:10:00.000Z

I signed up for this last year when it was hosted by Becky @ The Bookette and while I managed to read enough to complete the challenge I failed to reach my goal of 50 books - I didn't event succeed in getting anywhere close to 50 books:( So I am signing up again this year - it's now being hosted by Kirsty @ The Overflowing Library - and I am determined to reach those 50 books. Since I've also challenged myself to read 200 books this year (...eek!) I shouldn't have a problem reading 50 British books, right?

Anyway - here are some possible books I'd like to read for the challenge:

When I Was Joe by Keren David
Almost True by Keren David
The Declaration by Gemma Malley
The Resistance by Gemma Malley
The Legacy by Gemma Malley
The Thirteen Curses by Michelle Harrison
The Thirteen Secrets by Michelle Harrison
Six Steps to a Girl by Sophie McKenzie
Three's a Crowd by Sophie McKenzie
TimeRiders: Day of the Predator by Alex Scarrow
TimeRIders: The Doomsday Code by Alex Scarrow
TimeRiders: The Eternal War by Alex Scarrow
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick
Tyme's End by BR Collins
Being by Kevin Brooks
Lucas by Kevin Brooks
Bad Faith by Gillian Philip
Crossing the Line by Gillian Philip
Troubadour by Mary Hoffman
From Where I Stand by Tabitha Suzuma
Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy
Nobody's Girl by Sarra Manning
Let's Get Lost by Sarra Manning
Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
Dead Gorgeous by Malorie Blackman
Scarlet by Cathy Cassidy
Dizzy by Cathy Cassidy
Indigo Blue by Cathy Cassidy
Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy
Angel by Cliff McNish
Breathing Underwater by Julia Green
Out of the Depths by Cathy Macphail
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper (Book 1)
The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper (Book 2)
The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper (Book 3)
The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper (Book 4)
The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper (Book 5)
A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling
Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk
Torn by Cat Clark
Sister Missing by Sophie Mckenzie
Kiss, Date, Love, Hate by Luisa Plaja
15 Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins
It's For Your Own Good by Jane Cuff
Pretty Bad Things by C J Skuse

I'm sure these will change and I'll discover some great titles along the way! I'll keep you posted with how I'm getting on below.

Books read for the challenge:

My Favourite Reads of 2011

2011-12-28T22:45:00.000Z

Honestly, I have read so many great books in 2011 it has been impossible to create this list. But I was determined to do it. So here you go - my Top 10 favourite reads of 2011....

10: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

I loved If I Stay so I was equally excited and scared about this. But I needn't have been. It's the perfect companion - I absolutely loved it.

9: Across The Universe by Beth Revis

The first chapter of this blew me away. And I loved the science fiction / romance.

8: Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

For some reason I haven't written a review for this yet - I think maybe because I don't know how to sum up how brilliant it is. But it really is.

7: Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

This is right up my street! And how much did I love Alex?

6: Ashes by Ilsa J Bick

Dystopian and horror! Just Wow! Creepy, suspenseful - seriously awesome!

5: Shelter by Harlan Coben

I love Harlan Coben - so a YA novel? Everything I was looking for! I have the feeling this will be one awesome series!

4: Entangled by Cat Clarke

I was supposed to go out but started reading this and didn't move until I finished it. Utterly absorbing - I still think about Grace and what I think happened next.

3: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

I thought I loved Before I Fall but this took my love for Lauren Oliver to a whole new level!

2: Rockaholic by CJ Skuse

This completely took me by surprise and I loved everything about it! I still can't think of a curly wurly without laughing to myself...

1: Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

This was just completely different - creepy and atmospheric and just brilliantly written.

What about you? Which books were your favourite reads in 2011?

I want to read that...

2011-12-22T06:00:00.002Z

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

From Goodreads: When her boyfriend breaks up with her on the first day of sophomore year, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. Enter three stunning girls with a magical offer Lucy can’t refuse. All she has to do is get a guy to fall in love with her in the next seven days, and then…break his heart and collect one of his brokenhearted tears. As the girls teach Lucy how to hook a guy (with the help of a little magic), she quickly discovers how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to get what she wants.

Fans of Lauren Myracle, Jodi Lynn Anderson, and Meg Cabot will love this tale of breakups, friendship, new crushes, and magic. Told with wit and charm, The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers is sure to be one of this winter’s most irresistible reads!

I love the sound of this! Plus the cover is ace. It's published 27 December 2012.

Book Trailer: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001Z

Here is the trailer for the second book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand. It looks awesome - I can't wait to read it! I loved the first book - you can read my review for it here.

Hallowed is published 2 January 2012

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

2011-12-20T13:00:00.002Z

From Goodreads: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

I really don't understand why I didn't read this one sooner. I bought it as soon as it was published but for some (stupid) reason it's been sat on my shelf all this time. The coming release of Hallowed - the second in the series - reminded me I really should read it. And I am so glad I did because it is seriously good!

I loved Clara. She's just really likeable - not too nice but really nice all the same. I really liked her family too - especially her brother Jeffrey. And her mother was interesting - I'm very intrigued by all the secrets she seems to be keeping. I also think there may be more to the story of why Clara's dad left than we think.

The mythology in this is great - it's different enough to stand out. Clara already knows that she is part angel - but at the same time there is a lot she doesn't know. We get to learn a lot of that with her at the same time which is nice. But also this reads a lot like a contemporary rather than a paranormal - there is a great deal of focus on relationships (friends, family and romance) which balances it nicely.

Now... Tucker. What can I say? He is just soooooo gorgeous and I can honestly say that if Clara does not end up with him at the end of this series there may be major tantrums on my part. He is just completely and utterly swoon worthy! Plus I love how their relationship and friendship develops.

Christian has the potential to be interesting - especially in Hallowed - but here he just didn't really make much of an impression. I think I was too blinded by the brilliance of Tucker to be honest - but I do hope that he plays a bigger role in the next book so we can get to know him better. I want to love him too.

I am seriously looking forward to Hallowed now - I want to know what Jeffrey was up to? What are her mother's secrets and will we ever know? Plus I really need to know if Midas is okay... and of course I just want more Tucker!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

2011-12-16T19:25:00.000Z

From Goodreads: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

So I think I'm with the majority on this one - I loved it! I read it in one sitting - pretty much growled at anyone who came near - and I completely and utterly fell in love with Anna and St Clair!

The story follows Anna and her year in Paris. She doesn't want to go - but is forced to by her father. She feels completely out of place - especially since she doesn't speak French - but she soon makes friends, including the lovely (and gorgeous) Etienne St Clair. The only problem? He already has a girlfriend...

The chemistry between Anna and St Clair is seriously awesome! And I loved that they are friends too. They really talk to each other - and are there for each other. I also liked that the whole girlfriend situation wasn't simple - they'd been together for a long time and I thought it was realistic that it wouldn't be easy to walk away from that.

I also liked the group of friends - Meredith, Josh and Rashmi . Plus I loved the Paris setting - it was something completely different. And I enjoyed the story lines involving St Clair's dad and Anna's friend Bridge - it added to their romance but it also gave us a story that is more than just a romance.

Cute, adorable and really romantic. I loved it so much I had to buy Lola and the Boy Next Door to catch up with Anna and St Clair! I can't wait to read more by this author!

Fracture by Megan Miranda (Extract and Trailer)

2011-12-13T17:30:00.003Z

I have been soooo excited to read Fracture by Megan Miranda - and I can tell you that it is all kinds of awesome. I loved it! I will have a review for you a bit nearer it's release date (5 January 2012) but in the meantime you can check out the trailer and the first chapter. Enjoy:D

Fracture - first chapter

You can find out more about Megan Miranda at her Website and on Twitter.

In My Mailbox (121)

2011-12-10T23:30:00.004Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey - thanks Bloomsbury:)
Hit Squad by Sophie Mckenzie - thanks Simon & Schuster:)

Last Saturday I went to Simon & Schuster Christmas Blogger's Party where we were shown the 2012 highlights - it was a fab day so massive thanks to S&S for inviting me. Plus they gave us all this awesome sounding proof:

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Bought:

Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison
Illuminated by Erica Orloff

And Carly from Writing From The Tub was having a sort out and gave me these fab books - thanks Carly!

The Taming of Lilah May by Vanessa Curtis
She's With The Band by Georgia Clark
The Not Quite Perfect Boyfriend by Lili Wilkinson
That's Life, Samara Brooks by Daniel Ehrenhaft
Are You Going To Kiss Me Now? by Slone Tanen

Hope you all had a great week:)

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

2011-12-09T06:00:00.017Z

From Goodreads: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

I really liked Catching Jordan. Okay so I don't have a clue about football at all but I (surprisingly) found that aspect really exciting. And, of course, I loved the romance.

Jordan is such a great character. I loved the idea of her being a female quarterback and fighting to do something she really loves. It's also interesting to see how loyal the rest of the team are to her - how she has earned their respect by being talented - but at the same time seeing how people outside her home town react to the idea of her playing football at college.

As for the men in her life - honestly Henry is just so gorgeous! Even when I wanted to shake some sense into him. And I love that him and Jordan have been friends for so long - that they know each other so well. It's really sweet. I also loved Carter and JJ - both are great friends. Unfortunately I didn't completely warm to Ty - I understand there are reasons for him behaving the way he does but it still made me uncomfortable - they are his issues to deal with and I think he really needs to deal with them.

I also loved the story line with her dad - how it evolves and they come to really understand each other. It makes for a really interesting read - and makes this more than just a typical romance.

Funny, romantic - this is a great read! I'm really excited to see what Miranda Kenneally comes up with next!

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

2011-12-08T06:00:00.004Z

For Review: Orchard
Published: 6 October 2011

From Amazon: I felt myself slipping away, losing myself to the senses. 'Kiss me,' I whispered.

Violet Eden has only ever wanted to be with Lincoln. But when he reveals a secret so powerful it could tear them apart, her world spins out of control. Then she meets Phoenix. Intense and beautiful, Violet is helplessly drawn to him...

Caught up in a battle between light and dark - where angels seek vengeance and humans are warriors - Violet must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice. And who she can love...

Embrace was one of those books that totally blindsided me. I'd heard a few whispers that it was good so when the opportunity to review it came up I jumped at the chance. But obviously there's good and then there's good, and boy is it good!

I loved Violet and was completely sucked into her story. She's easy to like - a character who is both strong and flawed - it makes her believable and easy to relate too. I loved that we got to experience it alongside her. I liked her best friend Steph, and I absolutely loved Lincoln and could definitely identify with what Violet sees in him. And that kiss? Wow! Phoenix on the other hand was someone I wasn't sure I liked but then found myself being completely seduced by. I'm still not sure we know all there is to know there - but I'm interested to find out. And it all makes for a very interesting triangle.

The mythology created is where the novel excels - I loved it. Sure, it requires a lot of explanation which slows down the pace in parts but it's definitely worth it - the whole thing is fascinating. I was completely gripped the whole time - in fact I'm not sure my bottom lip will ever recover from all the lip biting I did while reading it!

Fast paced and completely thrilling. If you are a fan of paranormal stories you have to read this. I seriously can't wait for Entice when it's published next year.

I want to read that...

2011-12-05T06:00:00.003Z

This Is So Not Happening by Kieran Scott

From Goodreads: After their long summer apart, Ally and Jake were hoping for a drama free senior year. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like things will work out that way...again. — It turns out that Chloe is pregnant and says that Jake is the father. Hammond is pissed at his best friend, but mostly can't believe that Ally would stay with Jake. But Ally is tired of being apart from Jake and is willing to make it work. But that is easier said than done when Jake starts blowing Ally off to go to doctor's appointments with Chloe and Ally joins the school play and meets a new cute guy.

But as graduation approaches, things get more complicated as new secrets come out and Ally realizes maybe Jake isn't the guy she thought he was. After everything they've been through can Ally and Jake get out of Orchard Hill with their relationship intact?

I can't wait for this. I loved books 1 and 2 in the series (I really need to post my reviews!) and I'm excited to see how this will all pan out for Ally and Jake!

It's published May (US) and August (UK)

In My Mailbox (120)

2011-12-03T22:00:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Seizure by Kathy Reichs
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
In Darkness by Nick Lake
After The Snow by S D Crocket
Vixen by Jillian Larken

Massive thanks to all the publishers who sent books for review:)

Bought:

She's So Money by Cherry Cheva
Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff
By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
The Secret Year by Jennifer R Hubbard
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Hope you all had a great week:)

Cover to Covet (21)

2011-12-01T06:00:00.006Z

I LOVE book covers. Love, love love them. So I decided to make it a regular post - each post featuring a cover I love.

Smashed by Lisa Luedeke

I love the smashed glass effect on it - really eye catching - and makes me want to find out what happened.

From Goodreads: Maine high school senior Katie Martin is set to win a field hockey scholarship until her life is derailed by drinking, a car accident, and an angry classmate.

What do you think?

And For Your Information by Denise Deegan

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002Z

For Review: Hachette Books Ireland
Published: 8 September 2011

From Goodreads: Everyone thinks they know who I am - ditzy Sarah, who cares more about appearances than she does about anything real. And yeah, I do care about what people think of me. Take my friends Alex and Rachel. We all go to Strandbrook College, Dublin. We're supposed to be best friends. But Alex and Rachel - they're really close. They tell each other things that they would never tell me. I try not to mind. And then there's Simon. He's my sort-of boyfriend but we hardly see each other. And when we do, I feel like he doesn't really 'see' me, you know? Everything's such a mess right now. My dad left us to be with Her; my mum is really angry all the time; and my brother Louis, he just doesn't care. I guess that's why the shoplifting started. It makes me feel good. In control. I just want everything to change. And it does. The day I got caught ...

This is just one of those books that really got under my skin. I just can't stop thinking about it.

This is the second book in the Butterfly series - following on from And By The Way - and this time we get Sarah's story. I was surprised by how much I loved Sarah - she was the weaker of the three characters for me in the first book but here she really grows - becomes absolutely adorable and I could help but completely loved her.

I must say the synopsis is just a tad misleading - I went into this not realising just how much of an emotional roller coaster it would be. I'm not sure I've sobbed my way through a book quite like this for a while.

When Sarah is caught shoplifting she is forced to see a therapist and complete community service at a home. It is here she meets Shane - someone who opens her eyes to the kind of person she want to be. I ADORED Shane. Honestly, I fell completely in love with him and I think anyone who reads this will too. He's just so selfless and caring - always thinking about other people - I'm not sure many people in his situation would be the same. I think Sarah's has a lot to do with this - I think meeting her helps him to overcome his anger to a certain extent but I also think it just gets him back to the person he was before. And I admired Sarah for her decision - how brave she is to invest in the relationship and give that much for someone - I think that Shane gives her the courage to be who she wants to be and that gives her the courage to change the relationships around her. Plus they are just so incredibly sweet and caring with each other.

One of the things I really love about these books is that it's not just about the person narrating the story. We still get to find out what is happening in Rachel and Alex's life. Life changes in a major way for Alex, Rachel and Mark seem to have some troubles, we get to see Louis in a completely different light - and I have to say I think I am starting to love him.

I can't wait to read the third book and am really looking forward to Rachel's story. Plus I want to catch up with Alex and Sarah to see how they are doing. I love these characters - it's a strange thing to admit but I really miss them now I've finished reading.

I really loved this one - even if it did nearly destroy me!

And By The Way by Denise Deegan

2011-11-29T11:15:00.001Z

For Review: Hachette Books Ireland
Published: 28 February 2011

From Goodreads: At Strandbrook College, we are Kids Of. Kids of diplomats, media stars, musicians, artists, actors, oh, and wealthy people who aspire to all of that. I'm the kid of a rock star. Means nothing to me. When Mum died, six months ago, I didn't just lose her, I lost my dad -- to work. The only thing he does now is annoy me. He hires people like 'The Stylist' who wears bullets in her belt and makes him look like a hobo. Seriously. But 'The Rockstar' isn't the only person who drives me mad. There's David McFadden, a guy in my class who could have helped but didn't. Now, it's too late. I don't want his help. Because I'm not going to trust anyone, love anyone, rely on anyone. That way I'll never be hurt again. If only I could solve the problem of Rachel, my best friend, who won't let me pull back just like that. Even David McFadden won't stay out of my face. But I'm not going to fall for his blue eyes, his windswept hair or the plaited leather on his wrist. And when he says he wants to help, I'm sure as hell not going to listen...

There is something about this book that really draws you in. I became really invested in the story and the characters.

We meet Alex six months after her mother has died. She's adamant that she doesn't want anyone - believes if she 'doesn't do close' she wont get hurt. But David McFadden refuses to let her push him away - and she starts to believe that maybe she can let people in again...

Alex is a very complicated character. She is intensely private, refuses to let anyone close - and you can truly see just how completely lost she is. Her father has buried himself into his work to cope with losing Alex's mum - and is never there. You can really feel Alex's resentment toward her father - and I completely understood why she pushes him away. She's kind of fierce and I really loved her for it.

David is a breath of fresh air. He's just lovely - I wanted to squish him! I love that he wouldn't let Alex push him away, that he understands what she's going through as he's been there himself, but also in how he actually talks to Alex - listens to her, knows her. The connection between them feels genuine.

I loved the relationship between Alex and her dad - how it evolves. How he comes to understand that he really needs to be there for her. She does lose herself there for a while - but she has a lot to deal with. I also loved her friendship with Rachel and Sarah. Even when Sarah is a bit annoying at times it is obvious that these three are really good friends and are completely there for each other.

There is a lot happening in the story - more than I expected - and that is what make this great. I went into it expecting one thing and got so much more! I'm really looking forward to And For Your Information - I can't wait to see what is next in store for them all.

I want to read that...

2011-11-28T06:00:00.001Z

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

From Goodreads: A powerful debut novel about a young Marine's return home from Afghanistan and the new life and love he finds while fending off the ghosts of war.

When Travis Stephenson returns home from Afghanistan, his parents are on the brink of divorce, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and his car, and nightmares of his best friend getting killed keep him completely spooked. But when he runs into Harper Gray, a girl who despises him for trashing her reputation with a middle school lie, life actually starts looking up. As Travis and Harper see more of each other, he starts falling for her and the way through the family meltdown, the post-traumatic stress, and the possibility of an interesting future begins to emerge.

His sense of humor, sense of his own strength, and incredible sense of honor make Travis an irresistible and eminently lovable hero in this fantastic and timely debut novel.

Yep - this sounds SERIOUSLY awesome! It's published June 2012.

In My Mailbox (119)

2011-11-26T23:00:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
Fated by Sarah Alderson
Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff

Massive thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending these for review.
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I also went to a blogger's Party at Atom. A massive thanks to Atom for organising this (and inviting me!) - it was a great evening. We got to meet CJ Daugherty and Sarra Manning, got a preview of the 2012 releases and had some lovely food. Plus there was a goodie bag:

Trapped by Michael Northrop
Night School by CJ Daugherty
The Witch of Turlingham Academy by Ellie Boswell
172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

And they had a selection of books we could choose from so (as usual) I couldn't resist...

Perfect by Sara Shepard
Unbelieveable by Sara Shepard
Wicked by Sara Shepard
Killer by Sara Shepard
Killing Mr Griffin by Lois Duncan
Don't Look Behind You by Lois Duncan
Quarantine by James Phelan

Thanks Atom!

Bought:

Saving June by Hannah Hannigton
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Captivate by Carrie Jones (Audio)
Entice by Carrie Jones (Audio)

I hope everyone had a great week:)

Reaper by Rachel Vincent

2011-11-24T20:33:00.000Z

From Goodreads: Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.

Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....

An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.

If you are a fan of the Soul Screamers series you really need to read this! I really enjoyed it and I loved having the story told from Tod's point of view. If I hadn't been in love with him before reading this I definitely would have been afterwards.

The story is a prequel in the sense it takes place before Tod becomes a reaper. We get to see what he was like, plus we get to see Nash as a 15 year old and we learn of Sabine. I've heard it's best to read this after at least the third book in the series and I would have to agree. I read it between books 3 and 4 and it seemed to fit perfectly.

There's quite a surprising revelation in this story that I really didn't see coming but in retrospect makes so much sense. I won't go into details here - it makes you see Tod in a different light but I do wonder if it's been kept a secret all this time.

I love this series - I love this world. And damn I love Tod! How did he sneak up on me? Because I was a major Nash fan at the beginning of this series but somehow Tod has completely won my affections!

A great addition to the series - I look forward to more of these novellas.

I want to read that...

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002Z

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris

From Goodreads: Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

I've seen this described as a cross between 24 and The X Files so YES PLEASE! It really does sound rather good don't you think?

It's published April (US) and June (UK)

Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-11-22T12:00:00.002Z

For Review: Puffin
Published: 24 Novemeber 2011

From Goodreads: Rules are different outside the Society.

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever...

Having really enjoyed Matched I was very excited to read Crossed. And just like Matched, I found myself completely gripped.

This time we get the narrative from both Cassia and Ky and this works amazingly well. Again I found myself falling in love with Ally Condie's writing - it's not action packed and intense in that sense - it's very character driven and intense instead. It's very much about the characters internal journey and I think that is what keeps me gripped.

In Matched I found myself really rooting for Xander. I felt as if Ky represented life outside of the Society for Cassia - a different kind of life - and I wasn't sure if she liked him or the idea of him. By giving us the story from Ky's point of view too she made me fall in love with him. That's not to say I'm not still rooting for Xander - even though he wasn't physically present in very many scenes his presence is still felt heavily in the novel - BUT I think I am now rooting for Ky too. I have no idea how this will all turn out for the three of them but I am desperate to find out!

I also like how similar the narrative style was for both Cassia and Ky. Usually I would want a very distinct difference but in this instance I liked how similar they felt - it made me understand why they were attracted to each other - what the basis of their connection was. There is a subtle difference though. Cassia is very hopeful - maybe even naive - she truly believes she can find a solution and change things. Ky on the other hand is more interested in finding happiness now. He's seen the bad of both sides and doesn't believe that either will be the answer. I think where Matched was Cassia's story this one really is Ky's. It's about his journey - about him getting to where he needs to be - both physically and emotionally.

We are also introduced to some new, and interesting characters. I loved Indie - and have to say I think she could be right about the Pilot. Eli and Hunter are great too and I loved Vick.

I am so looking forward to the next installment. We found out some very interesting things in this one and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. Also I'm very intrigued about that ending - who exactly was she going to meet? Is it Ky or is it someone else?

In My Mailbox (118)

2011-11-19T22:30:00.003Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

To Be A Cat by Matt Haig
This sounds really cute!

Sea Hearts (but will be called The Brides of Rollrock Island) by Margo Lanagan
This sounds seriously good! Plus the cover is awesome!

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis
I love the sound of this one!

Bought:

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke
I love the sound of this! Shape shifting dragons? Yes please!

Balefire by Cate Tiernan
This is all four books in one volume. I like the Sweep series so I thought I'd give this a go too.

Boys, Girls and other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
I've heard mixed things about this one but am looking forward to seeing what I think.

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
I've been looking forward to getting this for a while. Sounds great!

Awake at Dawn by C C Hunter
The sequel to Born at Midnight - which I still need to read. Love the covers for this series!

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
I am ashamed to say I have never read this. I love this hardback version.

Hope you all had a great week:)

Eve by Anna Carey

2011-11-17T21:00:00.006Z

For Review: PGUK (HarperCollins US)
Published: 20 November 2011

From Goodreads: Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust... and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

I'd been looking forward to reading this one for a while so I was really pleased to be offered a review copy. And I am pleased to say it lived up to my expectations. I really am starting to love dystopian fiction!

I really liked the characters in this one. Eve is great as the story's narrator. I found myself automatically liking her - and growing to like her more and more as the story progressed. She's not always perfect - in fact one mistake she makes has rather devastating consequences - but that just makes her more real. I adored Arden - she's prickly but underneath all that she obviously cares a great deal. And Caleb is just lovely. He's really kind and nice - and it doesn't surprise me that he manages to win Eve's trust. It's not just Eve, Caleb and Arden that have a strong impact though - many of the other characters we meet throughout the story do too - or at least they did for me.

I also liked the concept behind the novel - a virus that's killed off most of the population, the way the girls are segregated and raised to fear men, and the true fate that awaits them. It all feels rather chilling actually - both the purpose of the school and the reality that awaits them outside of it's gates. One small niggle though is that I don't fully understand the logic behind educating the girls to such a high standard if their fate is already sealed? But perhaps there are reasons we don't know yet.

I'm very interested to see how this progresses and am really looking forward to Once when it's published. I have a few ideas about the real reason they seem to be so interested in Eve - I'm not convinced it's for the reason they think it is - I don't think they would be that intent on finding her if it was. But I guess I'm just going to have to wait to find out! Roll on 2012!

Did You Know? Some Book News...

2011-11-16T12:00:00.002Z

I've had quite a bit of book news emailed to me lately so I thought I'd do a collective post for it all.

Random House have acquired 4 new dystopian novels to be published 2012 -2013. Here's the press release:

Random House Children’s Books has acquired four new debut dystopian novels for publication in 2012 and 2013. RHCB’s exciting wave of near-future titles, all acquired by Ruth Knowles, include:

Starters by Lissa Price, an American screenwriter, publishing in April 2012, is an action-packed thriller set in a world where eternal youthfulness can be had – at a price. One girl has the ability to bring it all tumbling down . . . RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Heather Shapiro at Baror International and will be launching globally alongside Random Inc for a truly international campaign.

A post- apocalyptic Los Angeles is the setting for Struck by Jenifer Bosworth, publishing in July 2012. After the city is devastated by an earthquake, Mia Price finds herself in the middle of a power struggle between two fanatical cults; one that wants to save the world and another that wants to destroy it. RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Alex Webb of the Rights People, acting on behalf of FSG.

Sangu Mandanna’s debut The Lost Girl publishes in early 2013 and centres around Eva, a feisty teen girl who technically has no true identity of her own. Eva is forced to abandon everything she's ever known and loved, finding herself torn between two worlds. RHCB acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Sarah Malloy of A.M. Heath acting on behalf of the Elizabeth Kaplan agency.

And finally, children’s librarian Emma Pass, releases ACID in early 2013. This action-packed novel introduces us to Jenna Strong, a truly kick-ass heroine who is serving time in an all-male prison for the murder of her parents. Set one hundred years in the future in a Big Brother style society; Britain is now under the control of ACID – a terrifying all-seeing police force. RHCB acquired world rights from Carolyn Whitaker of London Independent Books.

Ruth Knowles, Commissioning Editor comments, ‘Dystopian fiction is a much-talked about genre, particularly with the release of The Hunger Games movie next spring. We have acquired some fantastic futuristic thrillers that we know will appeal to this audience, and are confident that RHCB will have some of the most exciting novels in the genre. The worlds within them are very different from each other, but all completely hook you in from the first page and do not let go.’

The all sound AMAZING! Can't wait!

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I'm a little late sharing this as I think it's already started but Guardian Teen Books and Random House have partnered on a interactive story you can access online. Here is the info I was sent:

Guardian Teen Books has partnered with Random House for a new interactive, serialised story called Root - a fast-paced thriller set in the shadowy world of computer hacking and espionage. Every weekday for six weeks a new chapter will be released on guardian.co.uk/teen-books. The content will be directly influenced by readers’ contributions, such as their ideas for characters' personalities and skills.

The heroine Molly Root is a 15 year old computer genius whose friend Danny is killed after being caught stealing priceless data from a ruthless global corporation. Now she's in over her head. So far Molly Root's mission to get to the bottom of her best friend's murder has taken her on a perilous trail across London. Her key lead is a dodgy police detective - and her attempts to expose his shady contacts are testing her ingenuity to the limits.

As well as incorporating suggestions from readers, the story will also be brought to life via several social media platforms. For example, Guardian Teen Books' Twitter and Facebook accounts will be providing behind the scenes updates of how Molly is progressing, along with clips on Audioboo featuring the voicemails that Molly has discovered. This will be accompanied by onsite quizzes and photo puzzles on Flickr.

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I also had an email from the new philanthropic organization called Gone Reading International. They market a line of gifts for readers and donate 100% of company profits to fund new libraries in the developing world. You can read more about them at http://www.gonereading.com/. They have some really cute products - personally I'm kind of in love with the Evolution of Reading Tote Bag! It's awesome, right?

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I've also come across a few book bargains if you are like ebooks.

* Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton is $2.75 on Kindle (US) and £1.71 on Kindle (UK). For Nook users it's available on Barnes and Noble for $2.99. I believe Apple and Google are also doing it for $2.99. I really enjoyed it - you can read my review for it here.

* Kiss for Lula by Samantha Mackintosh is currently free on Kindle (on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com) I really need to read this one promto - it sounds awesome!

* The Shadowing: Hunted by Adam Slater is also currently free on Kindle ( on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com). Despite the cover giving me the creeps (!) it does sound rather good!

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That's all folks:D

2012 Debut Author Challenge

2011-11-16T00:00:00.001Z

I've decided to take part in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge - I love discovering new authors and this is a brilliant way to find them. It's hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren and you can click here to sign up & get more info.

In order to complete the challenge you need to read a minimum of 12 YA or MG Debuts during January 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013.

The debuts I'm thinking of reading are:

1: 15 Days Without A Head by Dave Cousins
2: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
3: Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
4: Fracture by Megan Miranda
5: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
6: The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
7: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
8: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
9: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
10: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
11: Starters by Lissa Price
12: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
13: Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
14: Tempest by Julie Cross
15: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom
16: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

And I'm sure there will be many more that I discover as we get into 2012. And since I have review copies of a few of these there is the chance that I may not be able to control myself and actually wait until 2012 to read them lol.

Books read for the challenge:

1:

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

2011-11-15T14:07:00.000Z

From Goodreads: Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

This book is seriously good! It's just so funny - and really enjoyable to read. I loved it.

I really liked Hartley - she's funny, likeable, a bit daft but has a great way with words and is a brilliant narrator for the story. I also really loved her friend Sam - apparently she is trying to censor her swearing and comes up with some great alternatives. Plus I liked how she was always there for Hartley.

I really didn't like Josh. He comes across as a bit of a jerk - and then completely proves it about half way through the story with what he says to Hartley. If I had been her I would have been very tempted to punch him ... or kick him where it hurts. Hard! Not that I advocate violence or anything...

Chase on the other hand is just plain gorgeous! I completely loved him - that scene in the bedroom (yes he was shirtless but no it's not what you are thinking!) was really funny. And I have to agree with Sam... I think I would have let him continue... lol. But, anyway, I loved the interactions between Chase and Hartley - they definitely have chemistry.

The mystery is really good too - I wasn't sure who it was going to be - so I didn't find it predictable at all. I really do seem to be losing my skills in that department - but in my defence the book is (and I know I keep saying this) really, really funny so that's a great distraction.

A great first installment in what I hope is many more books in the series. I am definitely looking forward to Social Suicide when it's released.

The Hunger Games Movie Trailer

2011-11-14T19:45:00.001Z

SERIOUSLY how freaking awesome does this look? I am so excited for this film I think I may spontaneously combust before next year!

What do you think? Ridiculously excited like me?

In My Mailbox (117)

2011-11-12T19:50:00.002Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
I have already read this and it is AWESOME! I really, really loved it and now can't wait to get my hands on Requiem!

Massive thanks to Hodder for sending this for review:D

Bought:

Reel Life Starring Us by Lisa Greenwald
I loved both of Lisa Greenwald's previous novels so I had to get this one. Looks really good!

Sweep Volume 2 by Cate Tiernan
Sweep Volume 3 by Cate Tiernan
Sweep Volume 4 by Cate Tiernan
I read the first few of these years ago when they were first published in the UK. I really love these US bind ups so I decided to get the whole set. Volume 5 is released in December and I couldn't resist pre-ordering that one too!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
I love the sound of this! Plus the text is red - which is all kinds of awesome:D

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
I've heard some good things about this one - and it's by Flux and their titles are usually fab.

Hard Magic by Laura Anne Gilman
'A handpicked team trained to solve crimes the regular police can't touch - crimes of magic'. Er.. yes please!

English Fairy Tales and Legends by Rosalind Kerven
I couldn't resist this when I saw it come into the shop where I work (and I did try!)

Hope you all had a great week:)

I want to read that...

2011-11-11T06:00:00.002Z

Partials by Dan Wells

From Goodreads: The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

I loved Mr Monster by Dan Wells so I am really looking forward to this one. It sounds AWESOME! It's published February 2012 (US) and March 2012 (UK)

Lauren Kate: Cover Reveals and Sneak Peek.

2011-11-10T06:00:00.003Z

Here are the covers for Rapture and Fallen In Love - so gorgeous! I love them - especially Rapture!

Plus I have a sneak peek of Fallen In Love for those of you who can't wait! Enjoy:D

Fallen in Love Chapters Amp WEB[1]

Priscilla The Great: Kiss of Life by Sybil Nelson

2011-11-09T12:00:00.003Z

From Goodreads: Hey there! It’s me again, Priscilla, a lean, mean, tween machine. Just when I’m finally getting the hang of my powers, something even more confusing and harder to understand enters my world…boys. That’s right, I can shoot fire out of my fingers and lift a car with one hand, but for the life of me I can’t decode “boy-speak”… and that just might turn out to be the death of me.

I really do love this series. It's just so much fun!

This installment continues on from Priscilla The Great. Priscilla and her family have had to move from River's Bend to a secret location to protect themselves - which also means moving away from her boyfriend Kyle and best friend Tai. But things for Priscilla never run smoothly and soon she is face to face to Dr. Witheral and again fighting for her life. It's a good job she has superpower's right? And, of course, there is also the issue of boys! She's hardly getting to see her boyfriend and then there is a certain Marco who is causing a little bit of confusion ...

Honestly I know I keep saying how much fun this series is but it really is! I just love it. Priscilla has an amazing voice - she's funny, likeable and manages to ground the story. So much is going on, with all the superpowers and action, she gives it a believability. I also love all the other characters - her brother Josh, the terrible twins! and her dad is so funny with his need to protect her all the time. I also love the action - everything is obviously well planned out - and it's all very exciting. Plus we get pay off for story lines from the previous installment.

I honestly can't wait to get stuck into the next installment, Too Little Too Late - I'm excited to see what's next in store for Priscilla (especially considering that ending!) and I'm looking forward to more Marco!

In My Mailbox (116)

2011-11-06T18:00:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Tempest by Julie Cross
Wonder by R J Palacio
Crossed by Ally Condie
Unleashed by Namcy Holder
In Darkness by Nick Lake
Destined by P C & Kristen Cast
Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way by Lisi Harrison
Lost in Time by Mellissa de la Cruz

Massive thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Amplifed by Tara Kelly
Happyface by Stephen Emond

Hope you all had a great week:)

I want to read that...

2011-11-03T21:07:00.005Z

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

From Goodreads: "One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen year old Samantha wishes she was one of them… until the day Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything.

Jase can sense that his beautiful neighbor is missing something in her sterile home, and as the two fall fiercely in love, his family makes her one of their own.

But when the bottom drops out of Sam's world, which perfect family will save her–and will her perfect love survive?

Set among the haves and have-nots of a coastal New England town, My LIFE NEXT DOOR captures the angst, the heartache, and the raw-nerve emotions of first time love—and biting loss.

How cute is that cover? And it sounds right up my street! It's published 2012.

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

2011-11-02T15:00:00.007Z

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 21 October 2011

From Goodreads: Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

This series really does get better and better with each book! This one is concentrated a bit more on Kaylee and the fallout from My Soul to Keep and the arrival of a new character, but there is still plenty of action and I loved the introduction of that certain new character!

Yes, yes I mean Sabine. While I may not have always liked her I absolutely loved her character. I loved how honest she is. We may not always like what she has to say but she is very blunt about the truth, and I really enjoyed the way she complicates things with Nash. I also really like the addiction of Alec, who we met in My Soul to Keep. I really do hope he sticks around because he definitely has the potential to be interesting.

Of course the story is not just about the arrival of Sabine. Strange things are again afoot at their High school - teachers are dying in their sleep and the students all seem to be suffering from violent jealousy. Could Sabine be behind these occurrences or is something more sinister at work?

Tod managed to make me like him even more - I think the scene between him and Kaylee where he tells her what he really thinks about Sabine and Nash is going to be one of my favourite scenes for a long time. He doesn't sugarcoat the truth and I find that very refreshing.

In terms of Kaylee and Nash I surprisingly found myself feeling really sorry for Nash this time. I understand why Kaylee is confused about whether the two of them can be together (and the arrival of Sabine doesn't really help) but I was a bit disappointed that Kaylee is not being there for Nash when he really needs someone. But at the same time I do stick to what I said before - I'm not sure the two of them will get past this - Kaylee seems to need for this to have not happened - to have things the way there were before - rather than trying to build something new. Just my opinion of course - and I have every faith in Rachel Vincent as an author that she could change my mind! And perhaps my love for a certain reaper is clouding my judgement...

So yes, I love this series to death and can't wait to get my hands on If I Die. I've heard it's a series changer so I am desperate to find out what that means!

---

As part of a blog tour for the release of My Soul To Steal Rachel kindly took the time to do a Q& A:

I love how Kaylee gets stronger with each book. Is it important for you to have a strong female lead?

Yes. That’s the only thing that’s remained the same in every book I’ve written. My leading women make mistakes, but they’re all incredibly strong, in one way or another.

Each new book makes me love Tod more and more. Did you always intend for him to play such a large part in the series or did he surprise you?

Tod was a bit of a surprise. I like him. I think I’ll keep him around. ;)

I loved the addition of Sabine to the series! Is she fun to write and will she continue to play a big role?

Thanks! She’s actually my favourite character to write. And yes, she’s a permanent member of the cast now.

Nash really has had some tough times recently. Do you think he will ever truly forgive himself for what he did?

I think that’s gonna be hard. He’s a good guy, and he feels horrible about everything that’s happened. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t like writing him.

Can you give us any hints for what is next in store for Kaylee, Nash and Tod?

Death. Kissing. Drama. You know, all the good stuff. ;)

---
Thanks Rachel! I'm please to hear Sabine is now a permanent cast member! And more kissing? Please say it's with Tod...

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

Cover Wars

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000Z

Hardback / Paperback

Amazon have got this up as the Paperback cover. I really love it - it's very haunting and really catches my eye BUT I absolutely LOVE the Hardback cover. It is the main reason for me buying the book - there is just something about it that I can't quite put my finger on but it would win every time!

Also don't you think that they make the book feel completely different? It took me a minute to realise that the paperback cover was for the same book.

What do you think? Do you have a strong preference? And for those of you who have read it - which I really need to do and soon! - which suits the story better?

In My Mailbox (114) & (115)

2011-10-29T22:00:00.003+01:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Reckoning by Lili St Crow
The Haunting of Charity Delafield by Ian Beck
Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

and I went to afternoon tea last Saturday with Maureen Johnson, Will Hill and Robin Jarvis. A massive thanks to HarperCollins for organising it - it was a fab day:) The food so sooooo good! Plus I picked up these goodies:D

Looking For Alaska by John Green
The Woven Path by Robin Jarvis
Summer in the City by Candace Bushnell
Department 19 by Will Hill
Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker
Muse by Rebecca Lim
Slide by Jill Hathaway

Big thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Hope you all had a great week:)

My Soul to Steal: Animated Book Cover!

2011-10-28T21:30:00.001+01:00

Mira have a UK exclusive animated cover for My Soul to Steal - honestly, how awesome is this? I love it - it's such a fab idea:)

Also, Mira have a competition on their facebook page. All you need to do is go to the facebook page, click on either the animated or normal jacket image of My Soul to Steal and post a comment in the comment box below the picture. MIRA Ink will then select the winners.

Cover to Covet (20)

2011-10-28T00:01:00.001+01:00

I LOVE book covers. Love, love love them. So I decided to make it a regular post - each post featuring a cover I love.

I love the way this looks like it could be a poster for a movie! And the books sounds amazing too! Here's the synopsis:

From Goodreads: Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities, populated by millions of homeless. Downtown is a wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the attendees drawn to the destruction by a magnetic force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power in the wake of the disaster, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing prophecies. They know she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the worse storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but he’s hiding a more sinister truth. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must unleash the full horror of her strength to save them all.

It's published March 2012 (UK) and May 2012 (US)

Ashes by Ilsa J Bick

2011-10-26T18:00:00.000+01:00

For Review: Quercus
Published: 29 September 2011

From Goodreads: Alex has run away and is hiking through the wilderness with her dead parents' ashes, about to say goodbye to the life she no longer wants to live. But then the world suddenly changes. An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky zapping every electronic device and killing the vast majority of adults. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who has changed... Everyone still alive has turned - some for the better (those who acquired a superhuman sense) while others for the worse (those who acquired a taste for human flesh). Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the zombies that are on the hunt, Alex meets up with Tom - an Army veteran who escaped one war only to find something worse at home - and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to find food, shelter, while fighting off the 'Changed' and those desperate to stay alive. A tense and involving adventure with shocks and sudden plot twists that will keep teen and adult readers gripped.

I have been looking forward to this book since I first read the synopsis. YA horror, dystopian and Zombies? How could I possible resist? And it's seriously, seriously awesome!

Alex is a fantastic lead - she has a lot to deal with and just seems to get on with in. She's very capable, comes across as someone you can really depend on and I really liked her. Ellie is annoying but in a lovable way and Tom is gorgeous! I really took to him. And I loved the scenes between the three of them - how they really seem to have a genuine connection.

The whole novel is terrifying and just completely gripping - I read the whole thing in one sitting because I couldn't pull myself away. Ilsa J Bick has an interesting style of writing - it's very matter of fact and it doesn't shy away from some of the rather gruesome details! And expect the unexpected! There were twist and turns galore - which I absolutely loved. There is also a bit of a shift about two thirds of the way in - changing the pace slightly by slowing things down and introducing some new (and very interesting) characters. It's just as suspenseful as the first part of the novel, just in a different way.

And, of course, there is the cliffhanger ending! Which, as usual, made me want to throw the book across the room! But despite making this feel like part one of a larger story I did actually really like the ending. I like being excited to read the next one in the series - I just wish I didn't have such a long wait to find out how all the characters are doing.

Seriously good, addictive and compulsive reading for horror and dystopian fans. I can't wait for the next book to be released!

My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

2011-10-25T17:30:00.002+01:00

From Goodreads:
WHEN KAYLEE CAVANAUGH SCREAMS, SOMEONE DIES AND KAYLEE IS ABOUT TO SCREAM HER HEAD OFF...

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them. Until something does.

Demon's breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow, the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked. And when the epidemic hits too close to home, Kaylee will have to risk everything to save those she loves.

I freaking love this series! Rachel Vincent always does a great job in keeping the series fresh and exciting while still developing the story and moving it forward.

I adore Kaylee. She's really strong, sassy and she cares enough about everyone to put herself on the line. I also love Nash - but it's evident that something is going on with him. And Tod? Well I am liking him more and more as the series progresses. Again he seems to steal every scene he is in and I loved his reaction when he found out what had happened!

Speaking of what happens - I love how this story is an evolution of events from My Soul to Save. I had a feeling it might happen and as much as it pained me to read - I love that their are consequences. One of the things I admire about Rachel Vincent's writing is that she is not scared to go in a direction that shocks. She does what is right for the story - characters can die, they don't always make the right decisions - and this makes it completely unpredictable and - quite frankly - an amazing journey!

In terms of Kaylee and Nash - I have to say I'm not sure I could move past it. I don't really blame him for what happened - I just think there is a big difference between wishing something had never happened and being about to forgive and move on from it. Kaylee wants things to be the way they were before but that is never going to be the case because it did happen and she needs to decide if she can live with that. I guess we will find out in My Soul to Steal. And I can't wait!

I want to read that...

2011-10-23T19:30:00.000+01:00

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

From Goodreads: Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then Taylor's dad gets devastating news that changes everything. Her parents decide that the family will spend the summer together at their old vacation home in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them are very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

I loved Amy and Roger's Epic Detour so I can't wait to read more by the author. And this sound seriously fab!

It's published May 2012 (US) and June 2012 (UK)

Crossed Book Trailer

2011-10-20T19:21:00.004+01:00

How excited are you for the release of Crossed by Ally Condie?

Well I can't wait to get my hands on a copy - I need more Cassia, Ky and Xander!

In the meantime there is a book trailer and you can watch it now exclusively at EW.com

Crossed is published 24 November 2011

I want to read that...

2011-10-19T00:01:00.002+01:00

Night School by Christi Daugherty

From Goodreads: Sometimes school is murder.

Allie Sheridan's world is falling apart. She hates her school. Her brother has run away from home. And she's just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have finally had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to a boarding school for problem teenagers.

But Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Its rules are strangely archaic. It allows no computers or phones. Its students are an odd mixture of the gifted, the tough and the privileged. And then there's the secretive Night School, whose activities other students are forbidden even to watch.

When Allie is attacked one night the incident sets off a chain of events leading to the violent death of a girl at the summer ball. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, Allie must learn who she can trust. And what's really going on at Cimmeria Academy.

This sounds so good! It's been described as 'The Secret History for the YA reader.'

It's published January 2012 by Atom.

Betrayal by Lee Nichols

2011-10-18T12:30:00.006+01:00

For Review: Bloomsbury
Published: 5 September 2011

From Goodreads: Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great for battling the wraith-master Neos and horrible for her social life. Emma knows fellow ghostkeeper Bennett Stern is her soul mate, but when ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power. And until Neos is defeated, Bennett and Emma can't risk it.

When the temptation of being with Emma gets to be too much, Bennett disappears, pursuing a dangerous path to increase his powers. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. But when the Knell, a secret ghostkeeping society, sends two new ghostkeepers to Echo Point—one a snarky teen guy, the other a British scholar—Emma throws herself into training to battle Neos. But as the team grows stronger, so do the ghosts. And worse, one of their own will betray them. One Emma never suspected. . . .

Having really enjoyed Deception I picked up this one as soon as I'd finished the first one.

Now that Emma knows she is a Ghostkeeper and understands what it means she throws herself into her role. This installment is much more action packed than the first and there is still the romance and mystery element to keep me hooked!

The characters really develop in this one too. Emma becomes much stronger - and more accepting of her abilities. Her relationship with Bennett is still a driving force of the story but he was absent too much for my liking. We know why he's not staying near Emma but I really missed their interactions. But when he was present the scenes were awesome!

Some new characters are introduced and I loved them! I also have really taken to Natalie - I really think she is a good friend for Emma. And I loved learning more about Emma's family.

Again the story surprised me. It is completely unpredictable - I had no idea what was going to happen and I couldn't wait to find out. I am so looking forward to the third book - Surrender - when it's published! More please!

Deception by Lee Nichols

2011-10-18T12:00:00.000+01:00

For Review: Bloomsbury
Published: 5 September 2011

From Goodreads: When Emma Vaile’s parents go missing while away on a mysterious business trip, she’s left all alone in her creepy old house. But her brother’s very cute best friend, Bennett Stern—Emma’s knight in J. Crew armor—arrives unexpectedly to whisk her away to New England. There, Emma settles into his family’s museum-like mansion and enrolls at an old-fashioned private school. She quickly finds friends in the popular legacy crowd at Thatcher and spends her free time crushing on Bennett.

But the eerie visions she’s been hiding from everyone have gotten worse. Emma has memories of Thatcher that she can’t explain—it’s as if she’s returning home to a place she’s never been. Finally, Emma confides in Bennett and learns she is a ghostkeeper, a person who can communicate with ghosts. Bennett brought Emma to Thatcher to protect her, but now he needs her help tracking an other-worldly murderer.

I was really excited to read this one - I love stories about ghosts! Add in some romance and a mystery and I was pretty much hooked.

I liked Emma straight away. She's been through a lot and has more to face as the story progress but she always manages. Bennett is awesome as the potential love interest - so intense and moody that I can definitely understand why Emma might like him!

I loved all the ghost characters (especially the Rake!) - and watching Emma work out what going on. There are some really surprising moments too - the whole story was very enjoyable to read. I am thankful I have a copy of the next book in the series - Betrayal - so I could read it straight away! I needed more Bennett and I really wanted to find out more about her family. Great stuff!

Cover Wars: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

2011-10-17T06:00:00.004+01:00

UK / US

While I really like the colours on the US one I am not keen on the girl's face in the corner - I think because it just kind of looks like it floating there! But the UK one is just so gorgeous! I love it - especially the way the title and the author's name kind of shines - plus I love the fairy wings! So it's an easy one for me this time - I prefer the UK cover.

What do you think?

In My Mailbox (113)

2011-10-15T22:40:00.002+01:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Torn by Cat Clarke
I had no idea this was coming so major happy dance when I saw it! It sounds AWESOME!

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent
Yay! I love this series:)

Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
Don't Call Me Ishmael! by Michael Gerard Bauer
Swim The Fly by Don Calame
Beat the Band by Don Calame
These all sound great and I can't wait to get stuck in!

Footloose by Gareth Moore
Loose, Footloose. Kicked off my Sunday shoes... I love the original film - really looking forward to reading this:)

Advent by James Treadwell
This sounds really good! And the proof is gorgeous.

The Name of The Star by Maureen Johnson
Sarah from Feeling Fictional won a competition to go on a Jack the Ripper Tour with Maureen Johnson and kindly took me with her! It was fab and we were all given a copy of the book and Maureen kindly signed it for me:D

Massive thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
I still haven't read anything by Sarah Dessen but I think I need to rectify that very soon.

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs
I love the sound of this series. And on the basis on Forgive My Fins I want to read everything she's written.

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
This sounds so good and I have heard so many great things.

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler
I've been wanting to get this one for ages so I'm looking forward to reading it.

Graveminder by Melissa Marr
Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine
Riches by Megan Cole
Yes I made the mistake of entering The Works and thinking I could leave without buying anything! Maybe one day I will learn...

Hope you all had a great week:)

Heart Burn by Anne Cassidy

2011-10-14T20:00:00.003+01:00

From Amazon: Years ago, local bad boy, Tyler Harrington, did a favour for Ashley. Now Tyler has been beaten up and hospitalized, and he's calling that favour in. Ashley must hide an envelope for him, but under no circumstances is she to look inside it When Tyler is abducted, Ashley opens the package. What she finds inside is the key to who is holding Tyler. But somebody else wants the envelope and, as long as Ashley has it, she is in mortal danger.

This is the first book by Anne Cassidy that I have read and I have to say I think I should check out more of her books.

I really liked the relationship between Ashley and Tyler - and how we get to see the past through flashbacks. I liked Tyler straight away and Ashley was very determined - she comes across as a very strong character. And likeable too - I was really rooting for her.

The mystery aspect is slightly predictable but also gripping enough that I read this in one sitting. I really needed to know how it would all turn out - and I have to say I did really like the ending. I liked that the story isn't just about the situation Ashley finds herself in but that it's also focused on each of the characters and their relationships.

I'm looking forward to checking out more books by Anne Cassidy. I've been recommended Looking For JJ so I think I shall start there.

I want to read that...

2011-10-13T00:02:00.000+01:00

Undeadly by Michele Vail

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper-and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath.

Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.

To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly-against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

I have really high hopes for this one - I love the sound of it! Plus the cover is ace:)

It's published February 2012 by Harlequin Teen.

Glow Blog Tour: Book Trailer

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001+01:00

Here is the Book Trailer for Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

What do you think? I love it - it's beautifully shot and it makes it sound very exciting!

From Goodreads: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Glow is the most riveting series debut since The Hunger Games, and promises to thrill and challenge readers of all ages.

Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

2011-10-10T12:30:00.002+01:00

For Review: Bloomsbury
Published: 3 October 2011

From Goodreads: Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But after Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

I really enjoy this series and practically devour each new installment. I know I'm going to have a fun time reading them.

This time we get the story from 3 characters: Connor, Christabel and Lucy. I'm so pleased to have Lucy back as a narrator - I absolutely love her! And her cousin Christabel is a great - plus you can tell she is from the same family! She has attitude but in a very different way - I loved her obsession with reading and the way she repeats quotes to herself. Connor is another Drake brother to fall in love with - and although I still think Nicholas is my favourite - I can't help falling for each brother!

The story takes a bit more of a serious turn in this installment - especially where Solange is concerned. Also, it managed to completely take me by surprise - one thing happened that I did not see coming! And honestly, that ending? How on earth will I wait until the next book? Arrgggggg!

A great series and each book raises the stakes (sorry, couldn't resist!). I love reading them and can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

In My Mailbox (112)

2011-10-09T14:00:00.002+01:00

In My mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
Do I really need to say anything about this one? I love this series and am so please that there will be a fourth book :D

Between by Jessica Warman
A lovely finished copy. I really enjoyed this one - you can read my review here.

Eve by Anna Carey
Variant by Robison Wells
These both sound brilliant! I am so excited to get started on them both.

The Snow Merchant by Sam Gayton
I'm loving the sound of this one! It sounds ace.

Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
Free Thaddeus by John Gosselink
Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
+ a paper voodoo pad & Uglydoll calendar.
These were a lovely surprise - I'm very taken with the Uglydoll calendar - so cute!

Massive thanks to everyone who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Blood Wounds by Susan Pfeffer
I love Susan Pfeffer 'Moon' Series and this one looks equally awesome! And yep, I completely forgot to include this in the picture - d'oh!

Hope you all had a great week:)

Between by Jessica Warman

2011-10-07T12:00:00.001+01:00

For Review: Egmont.
Published: 3 October 2011

From Goodreads: Only the good die young. Right? Elizabeth Valchar has it all: friends, money, beauty, a cute boyfriend and assured popularity. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she is found drowned next to her parents' boat. Everyone thinks it was a tragic accident - teens drinking on a boat, a misstep leading to a watery death. But Liz is still here after death, and she doesn't know why. There are gaps in her memory. Her only company Alex, a boy killed by a car a year earlier, Liz sets out to piece together her life. But their small coastal town is hiding many secrets - about families, boyfriends and friendship. Plus, Alex hates Liz for being mean when they were alive. Was she as squeaky clean as she thinks she was? Could it be that she herself is hiding the biggest secret of all? Can Liz discover the truth? And if she does, who can she tell? An engrossing, compelling thriller that peels back the layers of small-town life to expose true, ugly, cruel human nature.

This is described as 'A Lovely Bones for teens' - and since I loved The Lovely Bones - it became a must read for me. And I have to say it completely captured my attention in the opening chapter!

The story is told from Liz's point of view after discovering she has died. Still here, and not really sure what is happening, she meets Alex - a boy killed the previous year - and together they try to work out how she died. Was it really an accident or something more sinister? Not able to remember much about her life she slowly has to relive it to piece it all back together - but will she like what she sees?

I guess you could say Liz is a typicall mean girl - on the surface at least. Her and her friends are popular, they are mean to other kids for no reason - the usual stuff. But the more of Liz's life that I relived with her the more I began to like and understand her. Her life hadn't exactly been easy - and one memory in particular that we experience with her is truly harrowing. The other characters have back stories too - and we get to understand them a bit more through Liz's observations in the present day and her memories. It's Josie and Richie who really stand out among her friends. Richie because of his relationship with Liz and the need to still connect to her in some way. And Josie because although I never particularly liked her I did feel sorry for her. You find out early on in the book that everyone in the neighbourhood believes Liz's dad is also Josie's father but no one ever acknowledges it - including Liz and her father. Liz's dad also really stood out - he's truly grieving over the death of his daughter and those scenes are especially poignant.

At first I was confused why Liz had gaps in her memory. Instead of having all of her memories she gets to re-experience them - and piece it all together. As the story progressed I realised this made so much sense - by reliving each memory Liz is actually experiencing it how it was - it's not tainted by her memories of it.

One aspect of this story that I absolutely adored was the relationship between Liz and Richie. Neither characters were perfect - both had faults - but together they just made sense and they obviously cared for each other. Seeing how the two were when they were with each other endeared them to me - and I felt I was seeing their true characters.

Of course there is also the mystery of how Liz died and I enjoyed trying to work it all out. Some might spot the clues but I was utterly oblivious - and I loved how it all panned out. But for me it was less about how Liz died and more about Liz's journey - discovering what had happened and facing up to the truth. It really made me think - about the choices we make and those made for us - and about who people really are and how much we actually get to see.

Jessica stopped by yesterday to talk about Liz's running playlist - you can read the post here.

Between Blog Tour: Guest Post

2011-10-06T06:00:00.136+01:00

I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Jessica Warman's Between, and Jessica kindly took the time to write a guest post. So I shall hand you over so she can tell you all about Liz's running playlist...

Liz’s running playlist

One thing that I think is cool about this playlist is that, to me at least, it’s real. Like Liz, I’m a distance runner, and when I was working on BETWEEN I would start every day with a long run in an attempt to get inside her head. During those runs, I listened to all of these songs, and I imagined Liz listening to them, too. Each of them speaks to her emotions in some way; listening to them allowed me to sort of slip into her character and better understand what she was going through in the months leading up to her death. It’s all sort of meta, when you stop to think about it! So here it is – Liz’s playlist, which was also my playlist, and all the songs that helped me to discover her story.

1. Karma Police – Radiohead
2. Viva La Vida – Coldplay
3. I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You – Colin Hay
4. Last Good Day of The Year – Costeau
5. The Killing Moon – Echo and the Bunnymen
6. Over My Head – The Fray
7. Ripple – Grateful Dead
8. Such Great Heights – Iron & Wine
9. Cathedrals – Jump Little Children
10. Everybody’s Changing – Keane
11. The Cave – Mumford and Sons
12. All the Right Moves – OneRepublic
13. Put Your Lights On – Santana
14. Run, Baby Run – Sheryl Crow
15. Superstar – Sonic Youth
16. Guitar and Video Games – Sunny Day Real Estate
17. Save Me – Aimee Mann

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Thanks Jessica!

I'll be posting my review for Between tomorrow - so please do stop by for that - and the next stop on the tour is with Jenny at Wondrous Reads on Monday.

Giveaway: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

2011-10-04T21:52:00.001+01:00

From Goodreads: Featuring necklaces made of wishes; an underground shop dealing in teeth; magical tattoos; a wishbone on a cord, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE is a thrilling story about Karou and her secret life as an apprentice to a wishmonger. Karou manages to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to an inhuman creature who deals in wishes and is the closest thing she has to family. Her life is surrounded by mysteries she is desperate to unveil.

Thanks to the lovely peeps at Hodder I have a copy of Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone to giveaway.

And since I went to a launch party on Monday for it's release - and I lugged the giveaway copy all the way into London with me - it is now a signed copy!

Giveaway is open to everyone. Closing date is 15th October 2011. To enter just fill in the form below. GOOD LUCK:)

This Giveaway is now closed.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (Review & Interview)

2011-10-03T06:00:00.002+01:00

For Review: Mira-Ink
Published: 16 September 2011

From Goodreads: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

I really enjoyed this one. I found myself completely swept along with the story and I loved the characters. Especially Henry!

When we first meet Kate she is driving her terminally ill mother back to her hometown. Kate is determined to make the time her mother has left as comfortable as possible. But when she witnesses a man bring a girl back to life with her own eyes he offers her a deal. It turns out he is actually Hades, God of the Underground and he offers to keep her mother alive while she passes seven tests. And if she succeeds she will rule the underground with him as a goddess. And as his wife...

To say I loved Henry is just a little bit of an understatement. Man, I loved him! And I also loved the way the relationship between him and Kate evolves into something really good. Kate is such a great character too. I liked how she thought of others and how strong she was even if she didn't realise it.

You find out pretty early on that Kate is not the first person to try to pass the seven tests. It would seem that someone wants anyone who tries dead. I have to say I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. I had absolutely no idea who was behind it all and I loved how it was all resolved. There were a few other revelations too - some of which I had predicted - but also a couple that completely took me by surprise.

The seven test were really cleverly incorporated into the story too. Kate had no idea when she was facing a test and neither do we. So we have no idea until the end whether she has succeeded or not! I was desperate to find out!

I can't wait for the next book in the series - I am so looking forward to spending more time with these characters.

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Aimee Carter also took the time to answer a few of my questions...

The Goddess Test is based around the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone . Are you a big fan of Greek Mythology?
Yes! I adore Greek mythology. I’ve been devouring various versions of myths since I first learned how to read. I’m by no means an expert, but they never fail to be entertaining.

How many books do you have planned for the series? And can you give us any hints for what's next in store for Kate?
Right now there are three written, and it could either end there or go on, depending on how it all works out. I can’t give too much away, but I will say that Kate finds out exactly what it means to become a god in the next book, and it isn’t what she expects.

What is your favourite aspect of writing? And the most challenging
The storytelling aspect of it is by far my favourite. Outlining a story is a little like figuring out a puzzle to me, and I absolutely love it when I’m in the middle of writing and something new jumps out. The most challenging would probably be the last stages of editing – copyediting, proofreading, that sort. Mostly because I’m a perfectionist, and while some people zoom through their drafts, I read every last word to myself, sometimes over and over again to make sure it all makes sense. It’s extremely tedious and time-consuming.

What is a typical writing day like for you? Are there any 'must-haves' you need before you can sit down to write?
Writing days vary widely on how close the deadline is. I tend to write for a few hours after lunch every day, but on heavy writing days, I will write shortly after getting up, as well as long into the night. All I need is silence or, barring that – I tend to write in public places like bookstores and cafes – an iPod to drown out the conversation around me.

What's next for you? Are you working on a different series as well?
Up next are edits for the third Goddess Test book, which I’m very excited about. And as it happens, I do have a new YA series coming out in the US, the first book of which is called MASKED. The release date for it has been fluid lately, but it looks like right now it’ll be coming out after the third Goddess Test book. I’m always working on something new though, and if you want to keep up to date on what I’m doing, you can always find my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter (@aimee_carter).
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Thanks Aimee! I can't wait for more Henry...

You can find Aimee at her Website, on Facebook and on Twitter.

* Photo taken from author's Website

In My Mailbox (111)

2011-10-02T12:00:00.016+01:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review:

Playground by 50 Cent
I hadn't heard anything about this one - it sounds great!

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
I LOVE the cover for this and it sounds really, really good!

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Hello beautiful book:) I really love this series so I can't wait to get stuck into this one!

Massive thanks to all the publishers who sent books for review:)

Bought:

Since my lack of willpower last week I have been trying to be good and not buy too many books. Most of these are leftover from last week, orders that didn't arrive until this week. So I have actually been fairly good - even if it doesn't look like it!

Rhymes With Cupid by Anna Humprey
Looks super cute!

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Banished by Sophie Littlefield
A friend recommended both of these - she really enjoyed them. I'm very partial to the covers:)

Paradise by Joanna Nadin
I've been meaning to read something by Joanna Nadin for a while now - I'm always hearing good things.

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott
This sounds ace!

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
I've been looking forward to this one for ages - and I've been hearing great things about it.

Pure Red by Danielle Joseph
I enjoyed Shrinking Violet so am looking forward to trying this one.

Dark Angel by Eden Maguire
This is one of the reads for a book club I organise at work - sounds good!

Hope you all had a great week!

Author Interview: Jane Cuff

2011-10-01T06:00:00.002+01:00

Jane Cuff is the author of W.S: From 'rear-ender' to 'slender' Brenda and It's For Your Own Good. She kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions...
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You have written 2 novels - W.S: From 'rear-ender' to 'slender' Brenda and It's For Your Own Good. Can you tell us a bit about them?
W.S is a fictional comedy where the bully becomes the bullied. It's aimed at 9yrs plus, but has a growing teenage and adult following.

Katie is slim, attractive and popular, whilst Brenda the new fat girl is anything but. Brenda instantly becomes the target of Katie's vicious bullying.

Early on in the book, the tables get turned with Katie gaining weight and losing friends, whilst Brenda loses weight and suddenly becomes popular and liked!

In the book I'm able to be ruthlessly funny against the new fat, unpopular Katie as the reader often feels that she's just getting what she dished out, what she deserves!

W.S takes the reader on a journey of laughter and self examination. As we all know deep down, something is only funny when you're not on the receiving end of it.

During the book you meet Katie's mum and dad, which gives you an insight into why she may have behaved the way she did... before the change.

From the feedback I've received so far, it appears that W.S has managed to strike the balance of being a pacey and humorous easy read, that also subtly challenges the reader to think before they speak/act.

It's For Your Own Good (IFYOG) is a comedy thriller exploiting the power and control Health & Safety now seems to have in our every day lives.

It seems now-a-days that most things are being banned due to Health & Safety; for whatever reason.

When I wrote IFYOG I wanted readers, both young and old, to have a good laugh at the everyday effect that Health & Safety can have in our lives, whilst also questioning; 'How far is this all going to go?'
I don't know about you, but I often catch myself thinking through every possible scenario or consequence before I partake in what used to be regarded as everyday risks!

Again, the feedback I've received so far has been better than I could ever have hoped for with children, teachers and parents welcoming a book that is totally different and topically funny.

How did you come up with the ideas for your books?
W.S came about when one of our son's was bullied. It was a very hard time for all of us. One day when leaving one of the many meetings we had with the head teacher, I turned to my husband and said, "Do you think the bully would do it, if he knew how it felt?" From that one question came the concept for W.S. I've used humour to deliver a very hard hitting message, as I believe laughter can more often than not, help people to swallow the truth.

IFYOG was inspired by the increasing 'Big brother' atmosphere that seems to be enveloping our country. I believe we are becoming a nation of frightened and controlled people who are too afraid to... even discouraged to take risks and make informed choices. I wanted to write an action packed book that children would enjoy, but might also say; 'do I want to inherit this way of living.'

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Is writing a full-time job?
I am married to Nathan, who is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to me and I'm also the proud mother of two fun filled, lovely boys.

I wish writing was a full time job!! I work two days a week for an aromatherapy firm, whilst the other days I juggle home life and writing.

Did you always want to be a writer?I've always had a vivid imagination and loved telling stories. I started writing a book years ago, but never finished it! Three years ago I listened to a lady called Liz Jackson, who runs her own, very successful business. Liz is blind and won't let anyone tell her what she can or can't achieve. During her speech she asked if anyone of us knew any 'Nearly people'. She said, they go on and on about what they've nearly done!! I sat there and thought, I don't just know nearly people, I am one.' That night I went home and started my first novel, Bloodmix.

What's your favourite aspect of being an author?
Being able to transfer what's going on in my head onto paper, for others to read.

And the most challenging?
Finding the time - balancing everything.

What's a typical writing day like for you? Are they any 'must-haves' before you can sit down to write?
I can easily do a 6hr writing day when the children are at school. I close my front curtains so no one can look through the window and disturb me. I only answer the phone to family (thank goodness for caller I.D).
I must have: A time line of events, notes, my laptop and copious amounts of mint tea!

Which author's did you read during your childhood? Any books that are still a favourite now?
C.S Lewis
EB White
George Orwell
Enid Blyton

I have always and will always love Charlotte's Webb.

What's next for you? Are you working on something at the moment?
Yes, I'm in the middle of my next book which at the moment is going to be called, 'I know how you feel.' However I'm always open to the title changing as the book develops.
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Thanks Jane!

You can purchase Jane's books through Waterstone's and Amazon.

You can find Jane on her Blog , on Twitter and on Facebook

Maureen Johnson Competition!

2011-09-30T06:00:00.001+01:00

There is a fantastic Maureen Johnson Competition to coincide with the publication of her new book The Name of the Star - it's a great opportunity for fans to meet her!

Here's the information:

JACK THE RIPPER FAN WALK
To celebrate the publication of Maureen Johnsons new YA thriller The Name of the Star, HarperCollins Children’s Books is offering 10 lucky readers the opportunity to accompany Maureen Johnson on a private Jack the Ripper walk in London on Thursday, 13th October 2011.

The walk begins at 5:00 PM and will carry-on for two hours into the night! Visit the haunting sites of Jack the Ripper and hear first-hand from Maureen how they inspired her new book The Name of the Star.

To enter, simply email nameofthestar@harpercollins.co.uk for a chance to attend the event with a friend.

Disclaimer: Entrants must be 13 or over. Please ensure that you are available to attend the event on Thursday, 13th October from 5.00pm to 7.00pm before entering. Winners will be informed on Friday, 7th October, and will be provided with further instructions then.

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Sounds awesome, right?